U.S. Congress legislation · 119th Congress
HB4795: Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026
Status: Passed one chamber, September 14, 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.
What the bill says
An act 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.
From the introduced text, September 14, 2026:
AN ACT 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. SECTION 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026 . SECTION 2. Ineligibility of institutions of higher education participating in certain nonexpressive commercial boycotts Section 487(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1094(a) ) is amended by adding at the end the or (II) an entity licensed or regulated by, or organized under the laws of, such a country. (ii) The term nonexpressive commercial boycott of a major strategic partner -- (I) means a commercial action (including engaging in refusals to deal and terminating business activities) that-- (aa) is intended to limit commercial relations with a major strategic partner; and (bb) is not based on a valid business reason; and (II) does not include actions described in regulations issued to provide for the exceptions described in section 1773(a)(2) of the Anti-Boycott Act of 2018 ( 50 U.S.C. 4842(a)(2) ). . SECTION 3. Eligibility …
Sponsors
- Virginia Foxx (R, HD-005) · primary sponsor
- Josh Gottheimer (D, HD-005)
Latest actions
- : Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- : Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- : On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 237 - 169 (Roll no. 295). (text: CR H5483)
- : Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 237 - 169 (Roll no. 295).
- : The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
- : DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 4795.
- : 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.
- : Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1499. (consideration: CR H5483-5488)
- : Rule H. Res. 1499 passed House.
- : 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.
Votes
- On Passage (September 3, 2026): 237 yea, 169 nay, passed
Subjects: Education programs funding, Education, School administration, International exchange and broadcasting, Middle East, Protest and dissent, Higher education, Government information and archives
Common questions
- What is HB4795?
- HB4795 is a bill in Congress (119th Congress): Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026.
- What does HB4795 do?
- In its own words: An act 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.
- What is the status of HB4795?
- Passed one chamber as of September 14, 2026. Latest action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (September 14, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB4795?
- Virginia Foxx (R, HD-005), with 1 co-sponsor.
- Where is the official record for HB4795?
- On the Congress website: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4795
Source: official Congress record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.