On September 11, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a sweeping defense budget bill that includes a controversial amendment targeting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. Introduced by far-right Rep. Lauren Boebert, the provision prohibits the Pentagon from awarding contracts to companies or individuals engaging in “politically motivated” boycotts aimed at penalizing commercial relations with Israel or its territories.

Critics, including free speech advocates, decry it as a direct assault on First Amendment rights, arguing it punishes political expression under the guise of national security. Chip Gibbons of Defending Rights & Dissent called it “precisely what the First Amendment prohibits,” noting its intent to suppress civil society protests against Israeli policies. This builds on existing anti-BDS laws in 38 states and a 2019 Trump executive order, which courts have mixed rulings on for violating free speech.

Supporters frame it as countering “hate” and economic warfare, but opponents warn it could blacklist nonprofits and firms, chilling dissent amid escalating U.S.-Israel tensions. The bill now heads to the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, 680,000 people, the majority of them civilians, have been confirmed dead in Gaza…

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