US House approves law penalising higher education institutions for Israel boycotts

The US House of Representatives approved a Republican-backed bill that would penalise universities participating in boycotts of Israel as well as those restricting students from travelling there. The Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act passed 237-169, with the bill set to move to the Senate. "The antisemitic rot that has corroded college campuses must be eradicated," Republican congresswoman Virginia Foxx said. "Today, the House sent a clear message: if an institution of higher education chooses to capitulate to the caustic BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movement, there will be consequences – starting with this bipartisan legislation."