Bills · 119th Congress · Education

Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026

Also known as Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2025

Where it stands

  1. Introduced7/29/25
  2. Passed HousePassed 9/3/26
  3. Senate
  4. President
  5. Law

Passed the House 237–169 on September 3, 2026 (Roll Call 295 →). Received in the Senate on September 14, 2026. No Senate action since.

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Roll calls on this bill

Votes on passage
HouseOn Passage · 9/3/26PassageThe vote on whether this chamber approves the measure — usually by a simple majority of those voting. It becomes law only once both chambers pass the same text and the president signs it, or Congress overrides a veto.House: The Legislative Process ↗
Passed
  • Democratic33 Yea · 167 Nay · 14 Not voting
  • Republican203 Yea · 2 Nay · 13 Not voting
  • Independent / Other1 Yea · 0 Nay · 0 Not voting
Official summary (CRS)

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.

Full text on congress.gov ↗
Sponsor
Rep. Virginia Foxx ( Republican · NC-5)
Cosponsors
1
Introduced
7/29/25
Policy area
Education

What happens next

The Senate must pass the same text, then it goes to the President.

If it isn't enacted by Jan 3, 2027, it expires when the 119th Congress ends.

All actions (16)
  1. 7/29/25Introduced in House
  2. 7/29/25Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
  3. 6/25/26Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  4. 6/25/26Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 24 - 9.
  5. 8/27/26Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-780.
  6. 8/27/26Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 681.
  7. 8/31/26Rules 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.
  8. 9/1/26Rule H. Res. 1499 passed House.
  9. 9/3/26Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1499. (consideration: CR H5483-5488)
  10. 9/3/26Rule 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. 9/3/26DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 4795.
  12. 9/3/26The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
  13. 9/3/26Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 237 - 169 (Roll no. 295).
  14. 9/3/26On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 237 - 169 (Roll no. 295). (text: CR H5483)
  15. 9/3/26Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  16. 9/14/26Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.