Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026
Bill journey · stage 2 of 5
Under committee review
What it doesSummary reported to house (Aug 27, 2026)
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.
What just happenedSep 14, 2026
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Who’s behind it
- Referred in SenateSep 14, 2026
- Engrossed in HouseSep 3, 2026
- Reported in HouseAug 27, 2026
- Introduced in HouseJul 29, 2025
- Sep 14, 2026IntroReferral
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee - Sep 3, 2026FloorH38310
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Sep 3, 2026FloorH37100
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 237 - 169 (Roll no. 295). (text: CR H5483)
- Sep 3, 2026Floor8000
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 237 - 169 (Roll no. 295).
- Sep 3, 2026FloorH35000
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
- Sep 3, 2026FloorH8D000
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 4795.
- Sep 3, 2026FloorH8D000
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.
- Sep 3, 2026FloorH30000
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1499. (consideration: CR H5483-5488)
- Sep 1, 2026FloorH1L220
Rule H. Res. 1499 passed House.
- Aug 31, 2026FloorH1L210
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.
- Aug 27, 2026CalendarsH12410
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 681.
- Aug 27, 2026CommitteeH12200
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-780.
Education and Workforce Committee - Aug 27, 2026Committee5000
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-780.
Education and Workforce Committee - Jun 25, 2026Committee
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 24 - 9.
Education and Workforce Committee - Jun 25, 2026Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Education and Workforce Committee - Jul 29, 2025IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Education and Workforce Committee - Jul 29, 2025IntroReferralIntro-H
Introduced in House
- Jul 29, 2025IntroReferral1000
Introduced in House