The United States House of Representatives passed a bill on September 3, 2026, aimed at penalizing American universities that boycott Israel or its academic institutions, including those in the occupied West Bank. The measure was approved by a vote of 237-169, with 33 Democrats joining the Republican majority, while two Republicans opposed the bill.
If enacted, the legislation would prevent universities that boycott entities associated with Israel from receiving federal funding, which could significantly impact their operations and financial aid capabilities.
Jenin Younes, president of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), expressed concerns that the bill infringes on First Amendment rights, stating, "The Supreme Court has made clear that the government cannot condition its funding on suppression of First Amendment-protected activity." The bill would require academic institutions to certify their cooperation with Israeli universities annually, raising concerns about potential compulsion to engage with institutions in illegal settlements.
The International Court of Justice ruled in 2024 that Israeli settlements in the West Bank violate international law. Public support for Israel in the U.S. has declined, with a Pew Research Center survey indicating that 62 percent of Americans view the Israeli government unfavorably. However, support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government remains strong among some lawmakers.
Younes criticized the timing of the bill, suggesting it reflects the Israel lobby's response to growing opposition to U.S. support for Israel. Robert McCaw, CAIR’s government affairs director, described the proposal as an attempt to restrict students' financial futures to protect the Israeli government from economic pressure.
Supporters of the bill argue it regulates commercial conduct rather than speech, with Representative Tim Walberg stating that taxpayer-funded programs should not discriminate against Israeli entities. The two Republicans who voted against the bill were Thomas Massie and Warren Davidson, both of whom have been critical of U.S. Middle East policy. The 33 Democrats who supported the measure included pro-Israel legislators Ritchie Torres and Haley Stevens.