AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Aug 28, 2026. Analysis updated: Sep 11, 2026.
01 — The Text
What.
- Institutions of higher education participating in federal student aid programs are prohibited from engaging in boycotts against Israel or Israeli-regulated entities without a valid business reason.
- Institutions receiving Title VI funds (federal funding for foreign language and international education programs) must annually certify that students and faculty can participate in academic programs in Israel under the same terms as programs in other countries.
- Institutions must also certify that students and faculty from Israeli postsecondary institutions can participate in their academic programs under the same terms as those from other countries.
- The restrictions apply to 'commercial actions intended to limit commercial relations' with Israel or Israeli-regulated entities.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- IHEs that refuse to comply with boycott restrictions or certification requirements could lose federal student aid program participation and Title VI funding eligibility.
- The official summary does not establish specific compliance mechanisms, penalties, enforcement procedures, or timelines for implementation.
- The official summary does not specify how 'valid business reason' exceptions will be defined or determined.
- Effects on institutional autonomy, existing academic exchange programs, or actual participation rates are not documented in the summary.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- House passed the bill on September 3, 2026 by vote of 237–169.
- Motion to reconsider was laid on the table on September 3, 2026.
- Bill was placed on the Union Calendar on August 27, 2026.
- No subsequent action in other chambers is documented in the provided record.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Sep 3, 2026 — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Sep 3, 2026 — On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 237 - 169 (Roll no. 295). (text: CR H5483)
- Sep 3, 2026 — Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 237 - 169 (Roll no. 295).
- Sep 3, 2026 — The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
- Sep 3, 2026 — DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 4795.
- Sep 3, 2026 — Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1501, H.R. 9436, H. Res. 1490 and H.R. 4795. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 1501, H.R. 9436, H.Res. 1490, and H.R. 4795 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate on each measure. The resolution provides for a motion to recommit on H.R. 1501, H.R. 9436, and H.R. 4795.
- Sep 3, 2026 — Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1499. (consideration: CR H5483-5488)
- Sep 1, 2026 — Rule H. Res. 1499 passed House.