Bill Summary
The legislation is a joint resolution aimed at curbing the involvement of United States Armed Forces in hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran without explicit authorization from Congress. It asserts that the power to declare war resides solely with Congress, as stipulated in the Constitution, and emphasizes that no declaration of war or specific authorization for military force against Iran has been made. The resolution states that military actions against Iran are considered hostilities under the War Powers Resolution, thus requiring congressional oversight and debate.
The resolution mandates the President to cease military actions against Iran unless such actions are authorized by Congress through a formal declaration of war or specific legislative approval. However, it also clarifies that the U.S. can still defend itself against imminent attacks. This legislation seeks to ensure that any military engagement against Iran is subject to democratic processes and accountability.
Possible Impacts
The joint resolution you provided outlines Congress's intent to limit the President's ability to engage U.S. Armed Forces in hostilities against Iran without specific authorization. Here are three examples of how this legislation could affect people:
1. **Military Personnel and Their Families**: The resolution could lead to the withdrawal of U.S. troops that might be engaged in operations against Iran. This would directly affect military personnel and their families by reducing the risk of combat-related injuries or deaths. It could also alleviate the stress and anxiety experienced by families of service members who might otherwise be deployed in a conflict.
2. **Public Discourse and Civic Engagement**: By mandating a full briefing and public debate before any military action can be taken, this legislation encourages civic engagement and public discourse on matters of war and peace. It could empower citizens to become more informed about U.S. foreign policy and military actions, potentially leading to increased participation in democratic processes, such as contacting their representatives or participating in protests.
3. **International Relations and Global Perception**: The resolution could impact how other countries view U.S. military actions and its commitment to international diplomacy. By limiting the executive branch's ability to unilaterally engage in military actions, it may lead to a perception of the U.S. as more committed to multilateralism and dialogue. This could either enhance diplomatic relations with allies and adversaries alike or, conversely, lead to tensions if countries perceive the U.S. as hesitant to respond to threats effectively.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S.J. Res. 59 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. J. RES. 59
To direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities
against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by
Congress.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
June 16, 2025
Mr. Kaine 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
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, its territories,
possessions, citizens, service members, and diplomats from
attack.
(3) Congress has not yet declared war upon, nor enacted a
specific statutory authorization for use of military force
against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
(4) United States Armed Forces actions in support of
military actions against the Islamic Republic of Iran
constitute, within the meaning of section 4(a) of the War
Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1543(a)), either hostilities or a
situation where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly
indicated by the circumstances into which United States Armed
Forces have been introduced.
(5) The question of whether United States forces should be
engaged in hostilities against Iran should be answered
following a full briefing to Congress and the American public
of the issues at stake, a public debate in Congress, and a
congressional vote as contemplated by the Constitution.
(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 to require the removal of United
States Armed Forces engaged in hostilities without a
declaration of war or specific statutory authorization shall be
considered in accordance with the expedited procedures of
section 601(b) of the International Security and Arms Export
Control Act of 1976.
SEC. 2. TERMINATION OF THE USE OF UNITED STATES FORCES FOR HOSTILITIES
AGAINST THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN.
(a) Termination.--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 the provisions of section 601(b) of the
International Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Act of 1976,
Congress hereby directs the President to terminate the use of United
States Armed Forces for hostilities against the Islamic Republic of
Iran or any part of its government or military, unless explicitly
authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of
military force against Iran.
(b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to prevent the United States from defending itself from
imminent attack.
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