The House passed a bill that would strip federal money from colleges that boycott Israel, a move critics call an attack on free speech that leaves domestic problems untouched.

• The bill passed 237-169, with most Republicans and 33 Democrats in favor.
• Colleges and universities could lose federal funding if they join academic or commercial boycotts of Israel — no other country is covered.
• Free-speech objections cut across party lines: Thomas Massie, one of two Republicans voting no, called it improper coercion of universities over a foreign country.
• It was the only bill passed before Congress left for a six-week recess, with nothing done on grocery prices, gas prices, or the trade war.
• Polling cited in the debate shows most Democratic voters hold an unfavorable view of Israel and oppose more aid, putting the 33 Democratic yes votes at odds with their base.

Outlook: Expect court challenges on First Amendment grounds and more pressure on university administrators, while Congress stays out of session until after the elections.