Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.

Bill Number: H.Con.Res. 40
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: International Affairs
Status: Failed House
Latest Action: 2026-04-16: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Last Updated: 2026-07-10T08:05:52Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 40) aims to direct the President to withdraw United States Armed Forces from ongoing military hostilities against Iran, invoking the War Powers Resolution—a 1973 law that requires congressional involvement in decisions to use military force. The goal is to limit U.S. military engagement unless Congress explicitly authorizes it or in cases of immediate self-defense.

Key Provisions

Withdrawal Directive: Congress instructs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Exceptions for Defense: Limited U.S. forces may remain if needed to protect the United States or its allies/partners from an imminent attack (an immediate and unavoidable threat). In such cases, the President must fully comply with reporting requirements under section 5(b) of the War Powers Resolution, which mandates notifying Congress within 48 hours of deploying forces.
Authorization Requirement: No further military action against Iran is allowed without a formal declaration of war by Congress or a specific congressional approval for the use of military force.

The resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives on June 23, 2025, by Representatives Gregory Meeks, Adam Smith, and James Himes, and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This resolution does not amend or create new laws; it operates under the existing framework of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. §§ 1541–1548). It reinforces Congress's role in enforcing the resolution's limits on presidential military actions but lacks the binding force of a statute. Concurrent resolutions like this express Congress's position and can pressure the executive branch but do not have the weight of law unless passed by both chambers and acted upon.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The Department of Defense and executive branch would need to adjust military operations, potentially scaling back deployments in the region. This could strain relations between Congress and the President if the directive is ignored, leading to legal challenges or political disputes.
On Citizens: U.S. service members and their families may see reduced risk of involvement in Iran-related conflicts, potentially lowering casualties and military spending. However, it could affect national security perceptions if threats from Iran escalate.
On International Relations: Withdrawal might de-escalate tensions with Iran, signaling a more restrained U.S. foreign policy. Allies (e.g., Israel, Gulf states) could feel less secure without U.S. military presence, while adversaries might view it as a sign of U.S. weakness, influencing regional stability in the Middle East.

Main Stakeholders Affected

U.S. Congress: Gains leverage in war powers oversight, particularly the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and Senate equivalents.
President and Executive Branch: Directly challenged on authority to conduct military operations without congressional approval.
U.S. Military Personnel: Potentially fewer deployments to hostile areas, affecting operational readiness and troop morale.
Iran and Regional Actors: Iran could benefit from reduced U.S. pressure; U.S. allies like Saudi Arabia or Israel may face heightened risks without U.S. support.
U.S. Taxpayers and Public: Indirectly impacted through changes in defense budgets and foreign policy directions.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Invokes section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, which allows Congress to direct the removal of forces after the 60-day limit on unauthorized engagements expires. If passed, it could lead to court challenges testing the balance of war powers between branches.
Constitutional: Highlights the ongoing debate over Article I (Congress's power to declare war) versus Article II (President's role as Commander in Chief), potentially reinforcing congressional checks on executive military actions.
Political: As a bipartisan introduction (sponsored by Democrats), it reflects concerns over unauthorized U.S. involvements abroad, similar to past resolutions on Iraq or Syria. Passage could spark partisan divides, influence midterm elections, or affect U.S. credibility in global diplomacy if not enforced.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5]

Cosponsors (90)

Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9], Rep. Himes, James A. [D-CT-4], Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3], Rep. Gomez, Jimmy [D-CA-34], Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49], Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-4], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45], Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Pelosi, Nancy [D-CA-11], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1], Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6], Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Neal, Richard E. [D-MA-1], Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3], Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9], Rep. Mannion, John W. [D-NY-22], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. DeGette, Diana [D-CO-1], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Olszewski, Johnny [D-MD-2], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7], Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1], Rep. Scott, Robert C. "Bobby" [D-VA-3], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2], Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray [D-CA-31], Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17] and 40 more

Recent Actions

2026-04-16: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2026-04-16: On agreeing to the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 213 - 214, 1 Present (Roll no. 114). (Roll call 114)
2026-04-16: Failed of passage/not agreed to in House On agreeing to the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 213 - 214, 1 Present (Roll no. 114). (Roll call 114)
2026-04-16: The previous question was ordered pursuant to a previous order of the House.
2026-04-16: DEBATE - Pursuant to a previous order, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Con. Res. 40.
2026-04-16: Considered pursuant to a previous order. (consideration: CR H2929-2937; text: CR H2929)
2026-04-16: Consideration initiated pursuant to a previous order.
2026-04-15: ORDER OF PROCEDURE - Mr. Mast asked unanimous consent that it be in order at any time to consider H. Con. Res. 40 in the House if called up by the chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs or his designee; that the concurrent resolution be considered as read; and that the previous question be considered as ordered on the concurrent resolution to adoption without intervening motion except for one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by Representative Mast of Florida and Representative Meeks of New York, or their respective designees. Agreed to without objection.
2025-06-23: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
2025-06-23: Submitted in House
2025-06-23: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran. — issued 2025-06-23 — PDF (2 pages)