The act would expand amendments first added to the Export Administration Act in 1977, initially to protect American companies from the Arab League boycott of Israel. Supporters of the measure dispute critics who say it would stifle pro-Palestinian activism. “From our perspective, we have to protect U.S. companies from being put in a position that could harm them,” Ms. Walitsky said. Supporters of the legislation say that the language does not prevent companies and individuals, independent of direction from foreign countries or international agencies, from announcing their intent to boycott Israel. “Our bipartisan legislation is a direct response to highly selective and discriminatory efforts to isolate Israel, such as those by the U.N. Human Rights Council,” Mr. Portman said in a statement.

Source: New York Times December 18, 2018 00:56 UTC