The U.S. House has passed a Republican-backed bill that would penalize universities that participate in boycotts of Israel or restrict academic exchanges with Israeli students and institutions.

The Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act passed 237-169, with 33 Democrats joining Republicans in support.

The legislation would require universities receiving federal student aid or certain international education funding to certify that they do not participate in Israel boycotts or restrict related academic programs.

Supporters say the measure would combat antisemitism and prevent discrimination against Israeli students, while critics argue it could violate First Amendment protections for political speech and protest, The Guardian has reported.

The bill now heads to the Senate, where its future is uncertain as debates over Israel, free speech and campus politics continue ahead of the midterm elections.