The Democratic Party is continuing to fracture itself over issues that are dividing the surging left-wing socialist faction and traditional members.
House Democrats split sharply over Israel earlier this month as 33 members joined Republicans to approve legislation that could strip certain federal funding from colleges and universities participating in commercial boycotts of Israel.
The House passed H.R. 4795, the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026, by a 237-169 vote earlier this month.
The final tally included 203 Republicans, 33 Democrats and one independent supporting the measure. Another 167 Democrats opposed it, along with Republican Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Warren Davidson of Ohio.
Fourteen Democrats and 13 Republicans did not vote.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., voted against the legislation, as did former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C.
The vote highlighted continuing disagreements among Democrats over U.S. policy toward Israel and the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, commonly known as BDS.
Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., sponsored the legislation, while Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., served as its Democratic co-sponsor.
The measure would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 by making colleges and universities participating in what the legislation defines as a “nonexpressive commercial boycott of Israel” ineligible for certain federal higher-education funds.
The legislation also requires institutions participating in covered federal programs to certify that students are not “unreasonably obstructed” from taking part in academic programs in Israel.
Supporters say the distinction between commercial activity and political expression is critical.
They argue the legislation does not prohibit students, professors or universities from criticizing the Israeli government, protesting Israeli policies or expressing support for Palestinians.
Instead, supporters say it targets institutional decisions to refuse commercial dealings with Israel or Israeli entities.
Foxx described the legislation as an effort to combat antisemitism on college campuses and prevent federal taxpayers from subsidizing institutional participation in BDS campaigns.
Gottheimer similarly argued that universities should not be permitted to receive federal assistance while discriminating against Israeli institutions or preventing students from participating in Israeli academic programs.
“This bill is an important step forward in ensuring academic freedom for all students,” Gottheimer said following passage.
The legislation now awaits action in the Senate.
Opponents argue the measure could nevertheless infringe on First Amendment rights and academic freedom by imposing significant financial consequences on universities because of decisions connected to political boycotts.
Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., said during the debate that while he opposes the BDS movement, supporters of boycotts retain constitutional protections for political advocacy.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., one of Congress’ most outspoken critics of Israel, also opposed the measure, describing it as an attack on free speech and academic freedom.
The disagreement reflects a broader Democratic divide that has become increasingly visible since the Israel-Hamas war began in 2023.
Some Democrats remain strongly supportive of Israel and have backed congressional efforts aimed at combating antisemitism and BDS activity.
Progressive lawmakers, meanwhile, have increasingly criticized Israel’s military operations and U.S. support for the Israeli government.
The House vote came as lawmakers prepared for an unusually long absence from Washington ahead of the November midterm elections.
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., subsequently shortened the House’s September schedule even further, canceling its final scheduled voting day before sending lawmakers home until after Election Day.
“The House has done its work,” Johnson told reporters. “It’s time for our members to go home to their districts and make their case to the American people.”
The House is not scheduled to return until Nov. 9.
Johnson’s decision drew criticism from both parties.
Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., called the canceled voting days “unacceptable,” arguing that lawmakers still had unfinished business before the election.
Democrats also accused Republican leaders of prioritizing campaigning over legislating.
Jeffries said Republicans were “running away from their responsibilities here on Capitol Hill” and pointed to issues including the economy and artificial intelligence that Democrats wanted Congress to address before leaving Washington.
More than 100 House Democrats had called on Johnson to keep lawmakers in session to consider safeguards surrounding rapidly advancing artificial-intelligence systems.
Johnson declined to extend the session.
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