H.R. 4795 Passed the House Education

Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit an institution that participates in a nonexpressive commercial boycott of Israel from being eligible for certain funds under that Act, to require an institution that participates in certain programs under that Act to certify that students are not unreasonably obstructed from participating in academic programs in Israel, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Rep. Foxx, Virginia [R-NC-5] Introduced July 29, 2025 Cosponsors 1 (1 D) Latest action September 14, 2026

Summary

Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026
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, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Roll-call votes

Actions

  1. Sep 14, 2026 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  2. Sep 3, 2026 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  3. Sep 3, 2026 On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 237 - 169 (Roll no. 295). (text: CR H5483)
  4. Sep 3, 2026 Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 237 - 169 (Roll no. 295).
  5. Sep 3, 2026 The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
  6. Sep 3, 2026 DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 4795.
  7. Sep 3, 2026 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.
  8. Sep 3, 2026 Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1499. (consideration: CR H5483-5488)
  9. Sep 1, 2026 Rule H. Res. 1499 passed House.
  10. Aug 31, 2026 Rules 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.
  11. Aug 27, 2026 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 681.
  12. Aug 27, 2026 Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-780.

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