Bill Summary
The legislation is a joint resolution passed by the United States Congress aimed at directing the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran that have not been authorized by Congress. It asserts that only Congress has the constitutional power to declare war and highlights that no such declaration has been made against Iran. The resolution references a specific instance in 2026 when President Trump ordered air strikes in Iran without congressional approval, categorizing this action as an introduction of U.S. forces into hostilities.
The resolution mandates the President to withdraw U.S. troops from military engagement with Iran unless there is an explicit declaration of war or specific authorization for military force. However, it clarifies that the U.S. can still defend itself against attacks, gather and share intelligence regarding threats from Iran, and assist allied nations that have been targeted by Iran since the 2026 air strikes. This legislation underscores Congress's authority in matters of military engagement and seeks to limit executive military actions without legislative consent.
Possible Impacts
The legislation outlined in the joint resolution can affect people in several ways. Here are three examples:
1. **Military Personnel Safety**: By directing the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in Iran without Congressional authorization, the legislation aims to protect military personnel from being engaged in conflicts that have not been officially sanctioned. This can reduce the risk of casualties among service members and provide a clearer legal framework for military engagement, potentially leading to fewer military families facing the stress and uncertainty of deployment in hostile environments.
2. **Impact on U.S.-Iran Relations**: The resolution could lead to a de-escalation of military tensions between the United States and Iran. By preventing unauthorized military action, it may open up avenues for diplomatic negotiations and dialogue. This can have broader implications for the citizens of both countries, as reduced hostilities might lead to improved relations, impacting trade, travel, and cultural exchanges.
3. **Public Sentiment and Political Accountability**: The legislation reinforces Congress's role in authorizing military action, which could resonate with constituents who advocate for greater oversight of military engagements. This may influence public sentiment regarding military policy and accountability, prompting citizens to engage more actively in discussions about foreign policy and the role of the government in military interventions. It could also affect how voters evaluate their elected representatives in future elections based on their stance on military actions and national security issues.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S.J. Res. 114 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. J. RES. 114
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.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 5, 2026
Ms. Baldwin introduced the following joint resolution; which was read
twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
_______________________________________________________________________
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.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 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) On February 28, 2026, President Trump ordered the
United States Armed Forces to conduct air strikes inside Iran's
territory, declaring that the strikes would be ``massive and
ongoing'' and describing the circumstances as ``war'', without
congressional authorization.
(5) This 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)).
(6) 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).
SEC. 2. REMOVAL OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES FROM HOSTILITIES WITHIN
OR AGAINST IRAN.
(a) Removal.--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.
(b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section 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,
including 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; or
(3) assisting partner countries who have been attacked by
Iran since February 28, 2026, and other nations--
(A) in intercepting retaliatory attacks upon their
territory by Iran or its proxies; or
(B) by providing defensive materiel support for
such defensive measures.
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