SJRES 118
A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.
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Bill overview
This joint resolution calls on the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from any hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran unless Congress has formally declared war or specifically authorized the use of military force. It emphasizes Congress’s constitutional power to declare war and highlights the lack of such authorization in the case of recent military actions. The resolution also outlines exceptions for defending the U.S. and its allies, collecting intelligence, and providing defensive support to nations facing attacks from Iran.
Key provisions
- Directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in or against Iran without congressional authorization.
- Specifies that the resolution does not prevent defense against attacks on the U.S. or its personnel.
- Permits intelligence collection and sharing with allies, including Israel and partner countries.
- Authorizes assistance to allies in defending against retaliatory attacks from Iran.
- Allows for the provision of defensive materiel support to allies.
Who is affected
- United States Armed Forces
- Islamic Republic of Iran
- Congress
- State of Israel
- U.S. Allies
Notable changes
- Reinforces the constitutional role of Congress in declaring war.
- Addresses recent military actions in Iran without prior congressional authorization.
- Clarifies the scope of permissible actions beyond direct hostilities, such as intelligence sharing and defensive assistance.
Sponsors
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119th CONGRESS — 2d Session
S. J. RES. 118
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
JOINT RESOLUTION
To direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.
Congress makes the following findings:
Congress has the sole power to declare war under article I, section 8, clause 11 of the United States Constitution.
The President has a constitutional responsibility to take actions to defend the United States and its territories, possessions, citizens, service members, and diplomats from attack.
Congress has not declared war upon Iran or any person or organization within Iran, nor enacted a specific statutory authorization for the use of military force within or against Iran.
The purpose of the War Powers Resolution, as stated in section 2(a) of such resolution (50 U.S.C. 1541(a)), is to insure that the collective judgment of both the Congress and the President will apply to the introduction of United States Armed Forces into hostilities.
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Section 3 of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1542) states, The President in every possible instance shall consult with Congress before introducing United States Armed Forces into hostilities or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances.
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During January and February 2026, the United States carried out the largest military buildup in the Middle East since the United States invaded Iraq in 2003.
On February 28, 2026, President Trump ordered the United States Armed Forces to conduct air strikes inside Iran’s territory, declaring that the strikes would be massive and ongoing
and describing the circumstances as war,
without congressional authorization or consultation.
This use of military force within or against Iran constitutes the introduction of United States Armed Forces into hostilities within the meaning of section 4(a) of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1543(a)).
Section 1013 of the Department of State Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1984 and 1985 (50 U.S.C. 1546a) provides that any joint resolution or bill requiring the removal of United States Armed Forces from imminent engagement in hostilities without a declaration of war or specific statutory authorization shall be considered in accordance with the expedited procedures under section 601(b) of the International Security and Arms Export Control Act of 1976 (Public Law 94–329).
Pursuant to section 1013 of the Department of State Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1984 and 1985 (50 U.S.C. 1546a), and in accordance with section 601(b) of the International Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Act of 1976 (Public Law 94–329), Congress hereby directs the President to remove the United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force.
Nothing in this section may be construed to prevent the United States from—
defending against an attack on the United States or its personnel or facilities in other nations;
collecting, analyzing, or sharing intelligence, including with the State of Israel and partner countries who have been attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026, and other nations and international organizations as appropriate, related to threats from Iran or its proxies; or
assisting the State of Israel and partner countries who have been attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026, and other nations—
in directly defending against retaliatory attacks upon their territories by Iran or its proxies; or
by providing defensive materiel support for such defensive measures.