House Votes to Cut Federal Funds From Colleges With Israel Boycotts

The House of Representatives passed legislation Thursday that would bar colleges and universities from receiving federal funds if they participate in certain commercial boycotts of Israel, exposing a sharp divide among Democrats over the Israel-related boycott movement.

The measure passed 237-169, with all but two Republicans voting in favor, per Fox News. Thirty-three Democrats supported the legislation, while 167 Democrats voted against it, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York and his top deputies.

Republican Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Warren Davidson of Ohio also opposed the bill.

Under the legislation, an institution that participates in a "non-expressive commercial boycott of Israel" would be prohibited from receiving federal funding. Universities that receive federal money would also have to affirm that their students "are not unreasonably obstructed" from studying abroad in Israel.

The vote comes amid continued concerns about antisemitism in the United States as Israel's war in Gaza continues. Republicans have argued that the legislation would help protect Jewish students from discrimination and hostile campus environments.

Democrats opposing the bill have argued that it raises serious First Amendment concerns by penalizing institutions over political expression.

Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., said he opposes the BDS movement but argued that constitutional protections extend to speech he strongly disagrees with.

"The First Amendment right to free speech does not apply only to agreeable speech. No matter how much I may disagree with BDS, and find it strategically stupid and morally repugnant, I will always fight to protect Americans’ right to speech with which I disagree," Nadler said.

Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., co-led the legislation despite opposition from Democratic leadership. He argued that the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement threatens Israel and said action was needed to protect Jewish students.

"The goal of the BDS movement is the destruction of the democratic State of Israel, America’s critical ally in the global fight against terror," Gottheimer said.

House Rules Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., said colleges with anti-Israel policies can create hostile environments for Jewish students.

"They are discriminating against people of the Jewish faith," Foxx said. "Now is not the time for talk. It is the time for action."

Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., rejected that argument during debate, saying Jewish students have also participated in BDS activism.

"This is an attack on free speech and academic freedom, all in the name of defending a genocidal apartheid state," Tlaib said.