Signal H.R. 4795: Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026 -- House Vote #295 -- Sept. 3, 2026

Summary

The US House of Representatives passed HR 4795, the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026, on September 3, 2026, by a vote of 237 to 169. Thirty-three Democrats joined Republicans in voting for the bill. The measure amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 so that colleges participating in a non-expressive commercial boycott of Israel would lose eligibility for certain federal funds. It also requires institutions to certify that students are not unreasonably blocked from taking part in academic programs in Israel. Co-sponsors Virginia Foxx and Josh Gottheimer said the bill's purpose is to counter the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement. The bill now goes to the Senate.