A 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.
- Sponsor
- Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]
- Committees
- Foreign Relations Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 13, 2026
Bottom line
This resolution seeks to compel the President to end unauthorized military hostilities in Iran by invoking Congress's constitutional war powers and the War Powers Resolution.
What it actually does
This joint resolution directs the President to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran, asserting that such operations have not been authorized by Congress as required by the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution. It outlines specific findings regarding the unauthorized nature of current military actions, including President Trump's declaration of "major combat operations" and failure to comply with statutory withdrawal timelines. The resolution includes a rule of construction clarifying that certain defensive, intelligence, and humanitarian actions are still permitted.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the resolution is a necessary reassertion of congressional authority over war-making, ensuring that the United States does not engage in prolonged military conflicts without explicit democratic authorization. They contend that the President's actions in Iran since February 28, 2026, constitute unauthorized hostilities in violation of the War Powers Resolution, and that Congress has a constitutional duty to direct the cessation of such engagements. Supporters emphasize that the resolution still allows for defensive actions, intelligence gathering, and humanitarian aid, thereby protecting national security interests while upholding the rule of law.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that this resolution could undermine the President's role as Commander-in-Chief, limiting the executive's ability to respond effectively to evolving national security threats and protect U.S. interests and personnel abroad. They may contend that a premature withdrawal could create a power vacuum, destabilize the region, or embolden adversaries. Critics could also argue that the President's actions are justified as self-defense or necessary responses to aggression, and that congressional intervention at this stage could disrupt ongoing diplomatic efforts or military strategies.
The bill is very short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for any informed reader to understand its core directive and implications within a few minutes.
Section 1
Congressional Findings on War Powers and Iran Hostilities
This section lays out Congress's legal and factual basis for the resolution. It affirms Congress's sole power to declare war, notes the absence of a declaration of war or specific authorization for military force against Iran, and states that President Donald J. Trump declared "major combat operations in Iran" on February 28, 2026. It further finds that the President failed to terminate the use of forces within 60 days as required by the War Powers Resolution and that hostilities have continued despite a memorandum of understanding with Iran. The findings also highlight prior bipartisan congressional action to direct the removal of forces.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that these findings are crucial for establishing the constitutional and statutory grounds for the resolution, reinforcing Congress's indispensable role in authorizing military force and ensuring executive accountability to the War Powers Resolution. They assert that the factual timeline and legal citations demonstrate a clear overreach of presidential power.
Critics contend
Opponents might contend that these findings present a selective interpretation of events and constitutional powers, potentially undermining the President's inherent authority as Commander-in-Chief to defend national interests and respond to immediate threats. They may argue that the findings do not fully account for the complexities of modern warfare or the need for executive agility.
Tradeoffs
This section navigates the fundamental tension between the executive branch's need for flexibility in national security and foreign policy, and the legislative branch's constitutional mandate to declare war and oversee military engagements.
Section 2(a)
Directive for Removal of US Armed Forces from Iran Hostilities
This is the core operative provision of the resolution. It explicitly directs the President to remove all United States Armed Forces from any hostilities within or against Iran. This directive is conditional, allowing for continued engagement only if Congress passes a formal declaration of war or a specific statutory authorization for the use of military force. The section references specific statutes (Section 1013 of the Department of State Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1984 and 1985, and Section 601(b) of the International Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Act of 1976) that provide expedited procedures for considering such resolutions.
Section 2(b)
Permitted Actions Despite Force Removal Directive (Rule of Construction)
This subsection clarifies that the resolution's directive to remove forces does not prohibit the United States from undertaking several critical actions. These include defending against attacks on U.S. territory, personnel, or facilities; collecting, analyzing, and sharing intelligence related to Iranian threats; assisting partner countries attacked by Iran with defensive measures or materiel support; and providing security, departure, and evacuation assistance to U.S. citizens affected by the hostilities. These exceptions aim to ensure that essential national security functions and citizen protection are maintained.