119th Congress (2025-2026)

SJRES 185

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.

Introduced

Jurisdiction

US Congress

Session

119th Congress (2025-2026)

Official source

Chamber

Senate

Session

119th Congress (2025-2026)

Jurisdiction

US Congress

Bill overview

This joint resolution urges 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. It emphasizes Congress’s constitutional authority to declare war and highlights the lack of such authorization currently in place. The resolution allows for exceptions regarding defense against attacks on the U.S. or its allies, intelligence sharing, and providing defensive support to partner nations.

Key provisions

Directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in Iran absent congressional authorization.
Reinforces Congress’s sole power to declare war.
Permits the U.S. to defend against attacks on the U.S. or its personnel/facilities.
Authorizes intelligence sharing with partner nations regarding threats from Iran.
Allows for assistance to partner nations in intercepting retaliatory attacks or providing defensive materiel support.

Who is affected

United States Armed Forces
The Islamic Republic of Iran
Congress
Partner countries attacked by Iran
United States Government

Notable changes

Establishes a congressional directive regarding the removal of U.S. forces from hostilities in Iran.
References the War Powers Resolution and the Department of State Authorization Act.
Clarifies the conditions under which the U.S. can maintain a military presence in the region for defensive purposes.

Positions across the country

No public positions recorded for this legislation.

Arguments in favor

Reasons to support this legislation.

No arguments in favor have been submitted.

Submit yours

Arguments opposed

Reasons to oppose this legislation.

No arguments opposed have been submitted.

Submit yours

Legislative history

2026-04-27Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

2026-04-27

Introduced in Senate

2026-05-19Senate

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 415.

2026-05-19Senate

Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 47. Record Vote Number: 129. (consideration: CR S2355)

Vote map

US Senate by state

Loading map data

Updating map data

0 states with vote data

Nay

Yea

Floor votes and chamber actions

Recorded roll calls list how each member voted. Unanimous consent or voice vote appears in the official action history without a roll call; no member-level tally is available for those steps.

Recorded roll calls

Read the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.

Apr 27, 2026XMLView source

119th CONGRESS — 2d Session

S. J. RES. 185

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.

1.Findings

Congress makes the following findings:

(1)

Congress has the sole power to declare war under article I, section 8, clause 11 of the United States Constitution.

(2)

The President has a constitutional responsibility to take actions to defend the United States and its territories, possessions, citizens, servicemembers, and diplomats from attack.

(3)

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.

(4)

The use of military force within or against Iran (including the enforcement of a naval blockade) 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)).

(5)

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).

2.Removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran

(a)RemovalPursuant 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.

(b)Rule of constructionNothing in this resolution may be construed to prevent the United States from—

(1)

defending against an attack on the United States or its personnel or facilities in other nations;

(2)

collecting, analyzing, or sharing intelligence with 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; and

(3)

assisting partner countries who have been attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026, and other nations—

(A)

in intercepting retaliatory attacks by Iran or its proxies; or

(B)

by providing defensive materiel support for such defensive measures.

SJRES 185