On Thursday, the US House of Representatives approved the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act in a 237-169 vote. The legislation aims to restrict universities that participate in boycotts of Israel or attempt to block student participation in exchange programs with the country. Under the proposed rules, institutions that engage in such boycotts could face the loss of federal student aid funding.

The vote revealed a split within the Democratic caucus, as 33 Democrats joined the majority of Republicans to support the measure. Only two Republicans voted against the bill. The legislation is now headed to the Senate, where it will face further debate and a potential vote before it can be sent to the president’s desk.

Proponents of the bill argue that it is a necessary step to protect academic freedom and prevent discrimination against Israel within higher education institutions. Conversely, critics and some civil liberties advocates have raised concerns that the bill could infringe upon the First Amendment rights of students and faculty, potentially chilling free speech and academic inquiry on college campuses. While the bill focuses on economic penalties, the debate surrounding its passage highlights the ongoing tension between foreign policy objectives and the autonomy of American universities.