House panel unanimously advances federal anti-BDS legislation

"The House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously passed controversial legislation on Thursday to target boycott efforts against Israel and Israeli businesses, advancing the measure to now be considered by the entire House chamber.

The Israel Anti-Boycott Act prohibits "US companies from participating in boycotts promoted by international organizations, like the UN, that target US partners, like Israel," said Rep. Ed Royce, a California Republican who chairs the panel...

Sponsored by Rep. Peter Roskam, a Republican from Illinois, and Juan Vargas, a Democrat from California, the bill would specifically amend the Export Administration of 1979, which bars US companies from adhering to Israel sanctions or boycotts administered by the Arab League.

The new provision would make it illegal for US businesses to join international boycotts against Israel..."