Bill Summary
This concurrent resolution is a legislative measure that directs the President, in accordance with the War Powers Resolution, to end the use of United States Armed Forces in engaging in hostilities against Iran. It outlines the reasons and justifications for this action, including the threat posed by Iran's government and its involvement in destabilizing activities in the Middle East. The resolution also reaffirms Congress' role in authorizing the use of military force and requires the President to provide a credible explanation for any future use of military force. It also clarifies that this resolution does not prevent the use of military force against al Qaeda or other associated forces, and it does not limit the obligations of the executive branch set forth in the War Powers Resolution. It also does not affect any prior authorizations for the use of military force against Iran or prevent the use of military force to defend US allies and partners with congressional approval.
Possible Impacts
1. This legislation could affect people who are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces, as it directs the President to terminate their use in hostilities against Iran. This could mean that they may be deployed to a different location or their mission may change.
2. This legislation could impact the diplomatic personnel serving abroad, as it states that the United States has a right to ensure their safety. This could result in changes in their duties or assignments.
3. This legislation could affect the American people, as it requires the President to provide a credible explanation for any use of military force. This could result in increased transparency and accountability for the actions of the government.
[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 83 Referred in Senate (RFS)]
<DOC>
116th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. CON. RES. 83
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
January 13, 2020
Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
_______________________________________________________________________
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers
Resolution to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces to engage
in hostilities in or against Iran.
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),
SECTION 1. TERMINATION OF USE OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES TO ENGAGE
IN HOSTILITIES IN OR AGAINST IRAN.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The Government of Iran is a leading state sponsor of
terrorism and engages in a range of destabilizing activities
across the Middle East. Iranian General Qassem Soleimani was
the lead architect of much of Iran's destabilizing activities
throughout the world.
(2) The United States has an inherent right to self-defense
against imminent armed attacks. The United States maintains the
right to ensure the safety of diplomatic personnel serving
abroad.
(3) In matters of imminent armed attacks, the executive
branch should indicate to Congress why military action was
necessary within a certain window of opportunity, the possible
harm that missing the window would cause, and why the action
was likely to prevent future disastrous attacks against the
United States.
(4) The United States has national interests in preserving
its partnership with Iraq and other countries in the region,
including by--
(A) combating terrorists, including the Islamic
State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS);
(B) preventing Iran from achieving a nuclear
weapons capability; and
(C) supporting the people of Iraq, Iran, and other
countries throughout the Middle East who demand an end
to government corruption and violations of basic human
rights.
(5) Over the past eight months, in response to rising
tensions with Iran, the United States has introduced over
15,000 additional forces into the Middle East.
(6) When the United States uses military force, the
American people and members of the United States Armed Forces
deserve a credible explanation regarding such use of military
force.
(7) The War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1541 et seq.)
requires the President to consult with Congress ``in every
possible instance'' before introducing United States Armed
Forces into hostilities.
(8) Congress has not authorized the President to use
military force against Iran.
(b) Termination.--Pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers
Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1544(c)), Congress hereby directs the President
to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in
hostilities in or against Iran or any part of its government or
military, unless--
(1) Congress has declared war or enacted specific statutory
authorization for such use of the Armed Forces; or
(2) such use of the Armed Forces is necessary and
appropriate to defend against an imminent armed attack upon the
United States, its territories or possessions, or its Armed
Forces, consistent with the requirements of the War Powers
Resolution.
(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be
construed--
(1) to prevent the President from using military force
against al Qaeda or associated forces;
(2) to limit the obligations of the executive branch set
forth in the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1541 et seq.);
(3) to affect the provisions of an Act or joint resolution
of Congress specifically authorizing the use of United States
Armed Forces to engage in hostilities against Iran or any part
of its government or military that is enacted after the date of
the adoption of this concurrent resolution;
(4) to prevent the use of necessary and appropriate
military force to defend United States allies and partners if
authorized by Congress consistent with the requirements of the
War Powers Resolution; or
(5) to authorize the use of military force.
Passed the House of Representatives January 9, 2020.
Attest:
CHERYL L. JOHNSON,
Clerk.