Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026
Introduced Jul 29, 2025 by Rep. Virginia Foxx
The House passed it. The Senate has to pass it before it can reach the President.
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.
- Sep 14, 2026Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Sep 3, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Sep 3, 2026On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 237 - 169 (Roll no. 295). (text: CR H5483)
- Sep 3, 2026Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 237 - 169 (Roll no. 295).
- Sep 3, 2026The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
- Sep 3, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 4795.
- Sep 3, 2026Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1501, H.R. 9436, H. Res. 1490 and H.R. 4795. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 1501, H.R. 9436, H.Res. 1490, and H.R. 4795 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate on each measure. The resolution provides for a motion to recommit on H.R. 1501, H.R. 9436, and H.R. 4795.
- Sep 3, 2026Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1499. (consideration: CR H5483-5488)
- Sep 1, 2026Rule H. Res. 1499 passed House.
- Aug 31, 2026Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1499 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1501, H.R. 9436, H. Res. 1490 and H.R. 4795. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 1501, H.R. 9436, H.Res. 1490, and H.R. 4795 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate on each measure. The resolution provides for a motion to recommit on H.R. 1501, H.R. 9436, and H.R. 4795.
- Aug 27, 2026Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 681.
- Aug 27, 2026Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-780.
- Jun 25, 2026Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 24 - 9.
- Jun 25, 2026Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Jul 29, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Jul 29, 2025Introduced in House