The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on the “IGO Anti-Boycott Act” (H.R. 867) on May 5. The bill, sponsored by Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), aims to expand existing U.S. anti-boycott laws to include boycotts promoted by international governmental organizations (IGOs), such as the United Nations or the European Union, particularly those targeting Israel.
The legislation amends the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 to apply anti-boycott provisions not only to foreign countries but also to IGOs. This would make it illegal for U.S. persons or companies to comply with or support boycotts of Israel that are initiated by international organizations. Americans found violating the act could face significant penalties, including fines up to $1 million and prison terms of up to 20 years.
The bill requires the President to submit an annual report to Congress and the public, listing countries and international organizations that foster or impose such boycotts, along with descriptions of those boycotts.
The IGO Anti-Boycott Act is a response to ongoing efforts by international bodies to promote the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. Proponents argue the bill is necessary to protect Israel from discriminatory economic warfare and to close a loophole in current law that allows IGOs to pressure U.S. entities into participating in boycotts. Major pro-Israel organizations, including AIPAC and the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, have voiced strong support for the legislation.
However, the bill has attracted significant controversy. Critics, including civil liberties groups, warn that the legislation could criminalize constitutionally protected political expression and non-violent protest, such as participating in or supporting boycotts for political reasons.
The bill was previously passed by the House with bipartisan support but stalled in the Senate. Republicans now controlling both chambers.
The Anti-Boycott Act of 2018, enacted as part of the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA), is a federal law that prohibits U.S. persons and entities from participating in or supporting unsanctioned foreign boycotts that conflict with U.S. policy. The law’s primary aim is to prevent U.S. businesses and individuals from complying with boycotts imposed by foreign countries against nations considered friendly to the United States.
As of the most recent list, the countries identified are:
- Iraq
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Syria
- Yemen
However, the law can also apply to other unsanctioned boycotts, such as those involving India-Pakistan, Ethiopia-Eritrea, or China-Taiwan, if they conflict with U.S. policy.
