This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish new conditions for institutions of higher education receiving federal funding, aiming to prevent certain commercial boycotts and promote academic cooperation with key U.S. allies. It mandates that institutions participating in Title IV federal student aid programs annually certify they will not engage in a nonexpressive commercial boycott of a major strategic partner of the United States. Such a boycott is defined as a commercial action, not based on a valid business reason, intended to limit relations with a strategic partner. Institutions failing to certify will be publicly listed and notified, with compliance becoming a condition for Title IV program participation. Additionally, institutions receiving Title VI funds must annually certify they do not unreasonably obstruct academic programs and exchanges with major strategic partners. This ensures equitable participation for students and faculty from both the certifying institution and the strategic partner country in academic activities. Failure to submit this certification will result in ineligibility for Title VI funds, reinforcing the bill's objective to foster economic and academic freedom with U.S. allies.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Education
Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-4795| House
| Updated: 7/29/2025
This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish new conditions for institutions of higher education receiving federal funding, aiming to prevent certain commercial boycotts and promote academic cooperation with key U.S. allies. It mandates that institutions participating in Title IV federal student aid programs annually certify they will not engage in a nonexpressive commercial boycott of a major strategic partner of the United States. Such a boycott is defined as a commercial action, not based on a valid business reason, intended to limit relations with a strategic partner. Institutions failing to certify will be publicly listed and notified, with compliance becoming a condition for Title IV program participation. Additionally, institutions receiving Title VI funds must annually certify they do not unreasonably obstruct academic programs and exchanges with major strategic partners. This ensures equitable participation for students and faculty from both the certifying institution and the strategic partner country in academic activities. Failure to submit this certification will result in ineligibility for Title VI funds, reinforcing the bill's objective to foster economic and academic freedom with U.S. allies.