H.R. 4795 · 119th Congress · Education
Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026
Prohibits colleges receiving federal student aid from boycotting Israel or Israeli entities. AI-read
What it does
This bill prohibits institutions of higher education (IHEs) that participate in federal student aid programs from engaging in boycotts against Israel. Specifically, IHEs may not engage in a commercial action intended to limit commercial relations with Israel, or with an entity licensed by, regulated by, or organized under the laws of Israel, that is not based on a valid business reason.
Further, IHEs receiving, or applying to receive, Title VI funds (federal funding for foreign language and international education programs) must annually certify that (1) students and faculty are allowed to participate in academic programs located in Israel in the same manner and under the same terms and conditions as programs in other foreign countries, and (2) students and faculty at postsecondary institutions located in Israel may participate in such IHE’s academic programs in the same manner and under the same terms and conditions as students and faculty from other foreign countries.
Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Aug 27, 2026 (Reported to House). CRS summarizes bills impartially; it does not take positions.
Roll call votes
| Date | Question | Party split (yea) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 3, 2026 House roll 655 |
On PassageProtect Economic and Academic Freedom Act | D 33–167 · R 203–2 · I 1–0 |
Passed 237–169 |
What members said about it
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With Rep. Chris Smith’s (R-NJ) full support and vote, the U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026 (HR 4795).
“Despite being a strong ally of the United States, Israel has been unfairly maligned and discriminated against by many of our colleges and universities, who have engaged in non-expressive commercial boycotts of Israel and sought to undermine partnerships with Israeli institutions of higher learning.”
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LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON H.R. 4795
Termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians On Tuesday, June 25, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration could move forward with its plans to rip legal status away from nearly 350,000 current…
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Nadler Statement Ahead Of Vote On H.R. 4795, The “Protect Economic And Academic Freedom Act Of 2026”
I also recognize that those who advocate for BDS can veer into antisemitism if they should use antisemitic tropes or stereotypes, hold Jews collectively responsible for Israel’s actions, target or exclude Jews because they are Jewish, use…
“the First Amendment is no word game. And the rights it protects cannot be renamed away or their protections nullified by ‘mere labels.’”
Latest action
Sep 14, 2026 · Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.