The House of Representatives passed a series of bills targeting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies and academic freedom, reflecting GOP priorities ahead of the 2024 elections. One key bill, the Protecting Americans’ Investments from Woke Policies Act, passed with a 217-206 vote, aiming to limit the use of ESG factors in retirement investment decisions. The bill challenges a Biden administration rule allowing fiduciaries to consider ESG factors, which Republicans argue divert from financial returns.
Another bill, the End Woke Higher Education Act, passed with a 213-201 vote, requiring colleges to adopt First Amendment principles to receive federal funding. It also limits accreditation requirements tied to ideological frameworks.
The Prioritizing Economic Growth Over Woke Policies Act, which passed with a 215-203 vote, seeks to curb SEC regulations requiring companies to disclose climate and social goals.
The White House opposes all three bills, stating they would limit the ability of institutions and corporations to fulfill their missions.