Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (14 Sep 2026): Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
What this bill does
H.R. 4795, the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026, would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to address institutions' dealings with a "major strategic partner" of the United States, a term defined by reference to countries designated under existing law (which the bill's title identifies as Israel). It would make an institution ineligible for certain federal student aid funds under Title IV if the institution engages in a "nonexpressive commercial boycott" of such a partner country—defined as a commercial action intended to limit business relations without a valid business reason, subject to certain regulatory exceptions. Separately, the bill would require institutions participating in Title VI international education programs to annually certify, by July 31, that they allow students and faculty to participate in academic exchanges, study abroad, joint research, and similar programs with the partner country on the same terms as with other foreign countries, and vice versa. Institutions that fail to certify would lose Title VI funding eligibility for the following fiscal year. The bill also states a nonbinding "sense of Congress" that limiting academic cooperation with such a partner does not serve U.S. security or economic interests.
The bill primarily affects colleges and universities that receive federal Title IV student aid or Title VI international education funding, along with their students and faculty involved in exchange or research programs.
Having passed the House on September 3, 2026 by a vote of 237–169, the bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. It would need Senate passage and the President's signature to become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official 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.
Timeline
14 Sep 2026
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4795 do?
- H.R. 4795, the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026, would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to address institutions' dealings with a "major strategic partner" of the United States, a term defined by reference to countries designated under existing law (which the bill's title identifies as Israel). It would make an institution ineligible for certain federal student aid funds under Title IV if the institution engages in a "nonexpressive commercial boycott" of such a partner country—defined as a commercial action intended to limit business relations without a valid business reason, subject to certain regulatory exceptions. Separately, the bill would require institutions participating in Title VI international education programs to annually certify, by July 31, that they allow students and faculty to participate in academic exchanges, study abroad, joint research, and similar programs with the partner country on the same terms as with other foreign countries, and vice versa. Institutions that fail to certify would lose Title VI funding eligibility for the following fiscal year. The bill also states a nonbinding "sense of Congress" that limiting academic cooperation with such a partner does not serve U.S. security or economic interests. The bill primarily affects colleges and universities that receive federal Title IV student aid or Title VI international education funding, along with their students and faculty involved in exchange or research programs. Having passed the House on September 3, 2026 by a vote of 237–169, the bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. It would need Senate passage and the President's signature to become law.
- Has H.R. 4795 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 4795. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4795?
- H.R. 4795 was sponsored by Rep. Foxx, Virginia [R-NC-5] (R-NC), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4795?
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (14 Sep 2026).
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