Washington: The US House of Representatives passed legislation on Thursday aimed at blocking federal funding for universities that implement boycotts against the illegal occupation force in Palestine.

The Republican backed measure, named the “Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act”, passed the Republican majority chamber in a 237–169 vote. The vote went mostly along party lines, with 33 Democrats in support while two Republicans voted against. To become law, the legislation must now pass through the US Senate.

The bill comes amid widespread protests and calls for boycotts across US university campuses triggered by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. According to the Gaza health ministry, occupation forces have killed more than 73,000 Palestinians since October 2023.

In response to the campus demonstrations, US president Donald Trump targeted academic institutions with investigations and threats to suspend federal aid. The administration and congressional Republicans maintain that the protesters allegedly expressed anti-semitism and supported extremism.

Conversely, demonstrators deny these claims, arguing that advocacy for Palestinian rights and criticism of the destruction in Gaza should not be characterised as antisemitism or extremism.

Proponents of the legislation stated that the act is intended to prevent the targeting of the occupation and Judaism, rather than to restrict academic speech or debate. The bill specifically addresses the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which seeks to isolate the occupation internationally over its treatment of Palestinians.

Opponents of the bill cited concerns regarding constitutional protections for free speech. US Representative Jerrold Nadler, a Democrat from New York, stated before the vote that despite his opposition to the global BDS movement, he would vote against the bill to safeguard free expression.

"It is the only way to ensure speech I do agree with is equally protected," Nadler said. The bill now awaits further consideration in the Senate.