The US House of Representatives passed legislation that would withhold federal funds from universities that boycott Israel or restrict student exchange programs with the Jewish state. The vote was 237 in favor to 168 against, with 33 Democrats joining most Republicans in support and two Republicans opposing. The bill now moves to the Senate.
The US House of Representatives passed legislation Thursday night that would cut federal funding to universities that engage in boycotts against Israel or impose restrictions on student exchange programs with the Jewish state. The bill passed by a vote of 237 to 168.
Thirty-three Democrats crossed party lines to support the measure alongside a majority of Republicans, while two Republicans voted against. Democratic leadership opposed the legislation, arguing it infringes on free speech and fails to differentiate between Israel and Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, as The Zioneer reported earlier.
The bill now heads to the Senate, where its prospects are unclear. Similar anti-boycott legislation has faced an uncertain path in the upper chamber amid concerns over academic freedom and the scope of penalties.
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Source and signal
- Open-source intake