House Passes Bill to Prohibit University Boycotts of Israel, Threatening Federal Funding
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 4795, the 'Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act,' with a vote of 237-169. Introduced by Reps. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) and Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), this bipartisan legislation aims to prevent higher education institutions receiving federal funds from engaging in 'nonexpressive commercial boycotts' of Israel. The bill defines such boycotts as refusals to deal or terminating business relationships without a 'valid business reason' to limit commercial ties. Additionally, the act mandates that these institutions must annually certify that they provide equal access for students and faculty to academic programs in Israel, comparable to those in other countries. Supporters, including Rep. Foxx, argue the bill is a crucial step in combating antisemitism on college campuses, which they believe is fueled by anti-Israel movements like BDS. Critics, however, contend that no American university has actually adopted such boycott policies, making the legislation a 'so... 
