SJRES 171
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 ongoing 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 the administration's characterization of the situation as a ‘war’ and references the War Powers Resolution. It aims to ensure that any military actions in Iran are subject to Congressional authorization.
Key provisions
- Directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in or against Iran.
- Requires explicit authorization from Congress (declaration of war or specific statutory authorization) for continued military involvement.
- Acknowledges Congress’s sole power to declare war under the U.S. Constitution.
- References the War Powers Resolution and Section 1013 of 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 related to threats from Iran.
- Authorizes assistance to Israel and other nations for defensive measures.
- Provides assistance for the security and evacuation of U.S. citizens.
Who is affected
- United States Armed Forces
- The President
- Congress
- The Islamic Republic of Iran
- U.S. Citizens in Iran
Notable changes
Sponsors
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119th CONGRESS — 2d Session
S. J. RES. 171
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, servicemembers, 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.
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.
.
The Trump administration has, on multiple occasions, referred to this operation as a war,
including—
President Donald J. Trump’s statement on February 28, 2026, that the United States was engaged in a war with Iran that we did not want but that we are going to win very quickly
; and
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s statement on March 4, 2026, that the terms of this war will be set by us at every step
.
President Donald J. Trump and senior executive branch officials have also repeatedly referred to the existence of a state of war
when describing this operation, including—
President Trump, on February 28, 2026, stating, The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties. That often happens in war.
;
Secretary of State Rubio, on March 3, 2026, stating, As of a few minutes ago, before I left, 9,000 Americans have been able to leave the region since the start of this war.
;
President Trump, on March 4, 2026, stating, We are doing very well on the warfront, to put it mildly, I would say.
; and
Secretary of Defense Hegseth, on March 4, 2026, stating The terms of this war will be set by us at every step.
.
As result of this use of military force, as of April 10, 2026, 13 members of the United States Armed Forces have been killed and at least 350 servicemembers have been wounded.
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 the State of Israel and United States partners and allies, and international organizations as appropriate, related to defending against threats from Iran or its proxies;
assisting Israel and other nations—
in taking defensive measures to protect their territory from retaliatory attacks by Iran or its proxies; or
by providing defensive materiel support for such defensive measures; or
providing assistance for the security, departure, and evacuation to United States citizens affected by the hostilities.