Bill Summary
The No War Against Iran Act is a bill that aims to prevent the use of federal funds for military force against Iran without proper authorization. It clarifies that Congress has the sole power to declare war and control federal expenditures. The bill also specifies that no existing laws, including the Authorization for Use of Military Force and the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution, can be interpreted as authorization for the use of military force against Iran. Unless Congress declares war or enacts specific statutory authorization, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds for military action against Iran. However, there are exceptions for self-defense and if Congress follows the requirements of the War Powers Resolution. This bill does not authorize the use of military force and does not relieve the executive branch of restrictions set by the War Powers Resolution.
Possible Impacts
1. A family with a loved one serving in the military could be affected if this bill is passed, as it would prohibit the use of funds for military force against Iran. This could potentially prevent their loved one from being sent to a dangerous conflict.
2. People living in Iran could be affected if this bill is passed, as it would prohibit the use of military force against their country without a declaration of war or specific statutory authorization. This could potentially protect them from being caught in the middle of a military conflict.
3. The President and his administration could be affected if this bill is passed, as it would limit their ability to use military force without proper authorization from Congress. This could potentially shift the balance of power and decision-making in matters of war and national security.
[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 3159 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
116th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 3159
To prohibit the use of funds for military force against Iran, and for
other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
January 8, 2020
Mr. Sanders (for himself, Mr. Schumer, Mr. Leahy, Mr. Markey, Mr.
Wyden, Mrs. Gillibrand, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Merkley, Ms. Warren, Ms.
Cantwell, Mr. Van Hollen, Ms. Harris, and Mr. Blumenthal) introduced
the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee
on Foreign Relations
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To prohibit the use of funds for military force against Iran, and for
other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``No War Against Iran Act''.
SEC. 2. PROHIBITION OF UNAUTHORIZED MILITARY FORCE IN OR AGAINST IRAN.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Congress has the sole power to declare war under
article I, section 8 of the United States Constitution.
(2) Congress has not declared war against Iran nor has
Congress enacted a specific statutory authorization for the use
of force against Iran.
(3) Article I, section 9 of the United States Constitution
vests Congress with the sole authority over Federal
expenditures and states, ``No Money shall be drawn from the
Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law.''.
(b) Clarification of Current Law.--Nothing in the Authorization for
Use of Military Force (Public Law 107-40; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note), the
Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002
(Public Law 107-243; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note), or any other provision of
law enacted before the date of the enactment of this Act may be
construed to provide authorization for the use of military force
against Iran.
(c) Prohibition of Unauthorized Military Force in or Against
Iran.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), no
Federal funds may be obligated or expended for any use of
military force in or against Iran unless Congress has--
(A) declared war; or
(B) enacted specific statutory authorization for
such use of military force after the date of the
enactment of this Act that meets the requirements of
the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1541 et seq.).
(2) Exception.--The prohibition under paragraph (1) shall
not apply to a use of military force that is consistent with
section 2(c) of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1541(c)).
(d) Rules of Construction.--
(1) Self-defense.--Nothing in this Act may be construed to
prevent the President from using necessary and appropriate
force to defend United States allies and partners if Congress
enacts specific statutory authorization for such use of force
consistent with the requirements of the War Powers Resolution
(50 U.S.C. 1541 et seq.).
(2) War powers resolution requirements.--Nothing in this
Act may be construed to relieve the executive branch of
restrictions on the use of force, reporting, or consultation
requirements set forth in the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C.
1541 et seq.).
(3) No authority for use of military force.--Nothing in
this Act may be construed to authorize the use of military
force.
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