To direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Republic of Cuba that have not been authorized by Congress.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7]
- Committees
- Foreign Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 24, 2026
Bottom line
H.J. Res. 153 seeks to reassert congressional authority over military engagements by requiring presidential withdrawal of unauthorized U.S. forces from hostilities involving Cuba.
What it actually does
This joint resolution asserts Congress's sole power to declare war and directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from any hostilities within or against Cuba that have not been explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or a specific statutory authorization for the use of military force. It specifically identifies a blockade or quarantine by the U.S. Coast Guard or other forces as constituting hostilities under the War Powers Resolution, while clarifying that the resolution does not prevent self-defense or lawful counternarcotics operations.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the resolution upholds the constitutional separation of powers, specifically Congress's exclusive authority to declare war. They contend that unauthorized military actions, such as blockades or other uses of force against Cuba, circumvent democratic processes and risk drawing the nation into conflicts without proper deliberation and consent from the legislative branch. This resolution ensures that any engagement in hostilities is a deliberate decision by Congress, reflecting the will of the people.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that such a resolution could unduly restrict the President's ability to respond swiftly and effectively to evolving national security threats or to protect U.S. interests abroad. They may contend that the President, as Commander-in-Chief, needs flexibility for limited military actions, especially in situations that do not rise to the level of a full-scale war declaration but require immediate response. Furthermore, some might argue that existing authorities or interpretations of presidential powers already cover such actions, making this resolution redundant or overly prescriptive.
The bill is very short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for a reader to understand its core directive within minutes.
Section 1, Paragraphs (1) and (3)
Affirmation of Congressional Authority to Declare War
This provision explicitly states that Congress holds the sole constitutional power to declare war and notes that no such declaration or specific authorization for military force currently exists for actions within or against Cuba. It serves as the foundational legal premise for the resolution's directive, underscoring the legislative branch's role in authorizing military conflict.
Supporters argue
Supporters emphasize that this finding is a crucial reminder of the constitutional framework for engaging in military conflict, ensuring that the decision to commit forces to hostilities rests with the people's representatives.
Critics contend
Some may argue that while constitutionally accurate, this finding implicitly criticizes the Executive's historical exercise of military power, potentially setting a precedent for challenging presidential actions deemed necessary for national security without a formal declaration of war.
Tradeoffs
This provision highlights the ongoing tension between presidential authority as Commander-in-Chief and Congress's constitutional power to declare war, seeking to rebalance power towards the legislative branch.
Section 1, Paragraph (4)
Clarification of "Hostilities" under War Powers Resolution
This section clarifies that any use of U.S. Armed Forces within or against Cuba, including a blockade or quarantine by the U.S. Coast Guard, constitutes "introduction of United States Armed Forces into hostilities" as defined by the War Powers Resolution. This broad interpretation triggers the reporting and withdrawal requirements of that Act, ensuring a wider range of military actions fall under congressional oversight.
Section 2(a)
Presidential Directive for Removal of Unauthorized Forces
This is the core operative directive of the resolution, mandating the President to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from any hostilities in or against Cuba unless Congress has explicitly authorized such actions through a declaration of war or a specific Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF). It leverages existing expedited procedures for such resolutions to facilitate timely congressional action.
Section 2(b)
Exceptions for Self-Defense and Counternarcotics Operations
This clause clarifies that the resolution's directive does not impede the United States' inherent right to self-defense against armed attack or the threat of imminent armed attack. It also explicitly exempts lawful counternarcotics operations from the withdrawal requirement, ensuring that critical security functions can continue without being subject to the resolution's primary directive.