(JNS) A coalition of pro-Israel groups, including the World Jewish Congress, the Lawfare Project, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and Israeli-American Coalition for Action, applauded the introduction of a bill in Congress that protects American businesses from pressure to comply with boycotts of U.S. allies such as Israel.

The bill, Export Administration Anti-Discrimination Act (EAADA), which was introduced last week by Reps. Ron DeSantis (D-Fla.) and Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) in the House of Representatives, seeks to update anti-discrimination protections codified in the Export Administration Act (EAA) of 1979, which prevents foreign entities from pressuring U.S. corporations to comply with boycotts of U.S. allies, including the State of Israel.

It will also update and strengthen enforcement of the 1979 law by creating a private right of action for those harmed by unlawful boycotts.

“The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement has weaponized economic activity to purposefully inflict financial harm on Israel,” said DeSantis. “Americans and our allies alike deserve the freedom to conduct business without the perpetual threat of discriminatory boycotts.”

World Jewish Congress president Ronald S. Lauder said, “I would like to thank congressman Ron DeSantis and chairman Bob Goodlatte for putting forward this important legislation that will combat the BDS movement, which is rearing its ugly head all over the world.”

Jewish and pro-Israel organizations supporting the bill include the Israeli-American Coalition for Action, American Jewish Congress, Rabbinical Council of America and Alpha Epsilon Pi (AePi) Fraternity.