The U.S. House has passed a controversial bill that could cut off federal funding to colleges and universities that boycott Israel, sending the legislation to the Senate for consideration.
The measure passed 237-169, with 33 Democrats joining nearly all Republicans in backing it. However, the bill still faces another hurdle in the Senate before it could reach President Donald Trump’s desk.
Democratic leaders have raised concerns about free speech, arguing that the legislation could give the Trump administration broad authority over universities. They also objected to the bill’s definition of boycotts, which includes Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he opposes the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement but believes the bill goes too far.
Democratic co-sponsor Josh Gottheimer defended the measure, saying universities receiving taxpayer funding should not discriminate against academic partnerships or investments involving Israel.
