33 House Dems break with Jeffries as party fractures over Israel

Key Points:

• The House of Representatives passed a bill (237-169) that blocks federal funds to colleges participating in commercial boycotts of Israel, with nearly all Republicans supporting and most Democrats opposing it.
• The legislation requires universities receiving federal funds to ensure students are not unreasonably obstructed from studying abroad in Israel, aiming to protect Jewish students amid rising antisemitism linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
• Democrats largely opposed the bill on First Amendment grounds, arguing it infringes on free speech, while Republicans contend it is necessary to create safe environments for Jewish students on campuses.
• The vote exposed deep divisions within the Democratic Party, with progressive members criticizing the bill as an attack on academic freedom and free speech, and some far-left Democrats facing backlash for their stance on Israel.
• The debate highlighted ongoing tensions around the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, antisemitism on campuses, and broader political conflicts ahead of the midterm elections.