“I want to cheer for a bill that will spend less taxpayer money on colleges that boycott Israel.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from Congress.
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House of Representatives
Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026
A bill to prohibit federal funds from going to universities that boycott Israel. In discussion, Republicans spoke in support of the bill, arguing it would combat anti-Semitism on campuses. Democrats opposed the bill, saying it would violate free speech and academic freedom. Some debate time was spent on procedural matters like demanding a recorded vote.
“I want this bill to pass. It will stop colleges from boycotting Israel. Boycotts are bad and unfair. Our government gives money to colleges. Colleges should not boycott Israel if they get our money. This bill will stop that. The other side is wrong.”
“I don't want to talk about the actual bill. I brought up something from 10 years ago to change the subject. I hope that people will be distracted by talking about that instead.”
“I want this bill to pass. It will stop people from boycotting Israel. I think boycotts are bad and mean.”
“I want to stop boycotts of Israel. Some groups boycott Israel. I don't like that. I think it's bad and mean. I want a law to stop them. I want taxpayers' money to not go to groups that boycott Israel. I want Congress to pass my bill. I say we need to act now. I don't like that groups boycott Israel.”
“I don't like this bill. I want universities to boycott Israel. I say the bill punishes free speech. I say Israel is an apartheid state. I say many Jews agree with me. I say a minister in Israel posted a gas chamber image. I say students should boycott that. I say the bill takes away education from working-class students. I say this bill is bad. I say Trump is dismantling education. I say we should protect free speech and the right to boycott.”
“I want this bill to pass. I say there is much anti-Semitism at universities. I say those universities get taxpayer money. I say that is bad. I say Congress should stop giving them money. I say we should have standards for universities. I am proud of our work. I want my party to vote yes.”
“I am against this bill. I say it takes away rights of Americans. I say it helps a foreign government. I say that government does bad things. I say we should talk about that instead. I say this bill punishes American students. I say it is not allowed by the Constitution. I say we should vote against it.”
“I want the last word. I put a statement in the record. The statement says this bill is bad. It says the bill takes away free speech. It says the bill punishes schools for political views. I want us to vote against it.”
“I want to put another statement in the record. This one is from a teacher's union. The union says the bill is bad. It says the bill takes away freedom. It says the bill does not protect students and teachers. It says the bill does not help education.”
“I want to say one more thing. Students and teachers can say what they want. That is not the same as the school having a policy. No school has a policy to boycott Israel. This bill is not clear. It may not stop schools from boycotting Israel. Boycotting Israel is speech. Speech is protected by the First Amendment. The government can't take away money for speech. No school is boycotting Israel anyway. We should stop anti-Semitism. But we should not stop free speech. I think you should vote no on this bill.”
“I want to say more. Schools should not boycott Israel. The government should not give money to schools that boycott Israel. Students and teachers should be free to study and do research with Israel. This bill makes sure schools treat Israel the same as other countries. Jewish students and teachers are facing more discrimination. Schools should be safe for all students. Schools should not work against Israel. This bill passed our committee. Now the House should pass it. It will protect academic freedom and make sure the government spends money well. I thank my colleague for her work on this bill. I hope everyone will vote yes.”
“I want a recorded vote on this bill. The vote happened. Most voted yes. Some changed their votes. The bill passed. The vote result is recorded. Someone wanted to reconsider the vote. We will not vote again.”