Updated

The US House of Representatives passed the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act by a 237-169 vote, a Republican-backed bill that would withhold federal funding from universities participating in boycotts of Israel or restricting student travel there. Thirty-three Democrats joined most Republicans in supporting the measure, which now heads to the Senate; party leadership objected over free-speech concerns and the bill's failure to differentiate between Israel proper and settlements. Supporters argue the legislation addresses what they call antisemitic activity on college campuses, while critics say it conflates criticism of Israeli policy with discrimination and could infringe on academic freedom. The vote reflects ongoing US political battles over campus activism tied to the Israel-Palestine conflict.