SJRES 116
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 for the removal of United States 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. The resolution highlights concerns about the ongoing military operation initiated in February 2026, including the deployment of troops, casualties, and inconsistent timelines for the operation. It emphasizes Congress’s constitutional authority to declare war and directs the President to comply with this authority.
Key provisions
- Directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in or against Iran absent congressional authorization.
- References findings regarding the Trump administration’s Operation Epic Fury and its characterization as a war.
- Acknowledges the deployment of over 50,000 U.S. military personnel and casualties incurred.
- States that Congress has not authorized war or a specific statutory authorization for military force against Iran.
- References the War Powers Resolution and the Department of State Authorization Act.
- Permits the U.S. to defend against attacks on the U.S. or its personnel/facilities abroad.
- Allows intelligence gathering and sharing with allies regarding threats from Iran.
- Authorizes assistance to partner countries in intercepting attacks and providing defensive materiel.
Who is affected
- United States Armed Forces
- The President
- Congress
- The Islamic Republic of Iran
Sponsors
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119th CONGRESS — 2d Session
S. J. RES. 116
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, its territories, its 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.
On February 28, 2026, the Trump administration launched Operation Epic Fury, introducing the United States military into hostilities as part of an ongoing and wide-reaching military campaign against the Government of Iran.
The Trump administration has repeatedly referred to this operation as a war
, including President Trump’s statement on February 28, 2026, that the United States has entered into a war with Iran that we did not want but that we are going to win very quickly,
and Secretary of Defense Hegseth’s statement on March 4, 2026, that the terms of this war will be set by us at every step
.
According to a statement by United States Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper on March 3, 2026, more than 50,000 members of the United States Armed Forces have participated in the unprecedented operation.
Six members of the United States Armed Forces have been killed as part of Operation Epic Fury, and President Trump has suggested there will likely be additional American lives lost, stating on March 2, 2026, We pray for the full recovery of the wounded and send our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen. And, sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That’s the way it is. Likely be more.
.
The Trump administration has offered inconsistent timelines for United States military operations against Iran, including President Trump’s statement on March 1, 2026, that we intended four to five weeks,
President Trump’s statement on March 2, 2026, that whatever the time is, it’s okay, whatever it takes,
Secretary Hegseth’s statement that the duration could be four weeks, two weeks, six weeks,
and President Trump’s message to Congress that it is not possible at this time to know the full scope and duration of military operations that may be necessary
.
United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has requested additional officers to support operations for at least 100 days and likely through September.
The 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 partner countries who have been attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026, and other nations and international organizations as appropriate, related to defense from threats from Iran or its proxies; or
assisting partner countries who have been attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026, and other nations—
in intercepting retaliatory attacks upon their territory by Iran or its proxies; or
by providing defensive materiel support for such defensive measures.