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

Bill Number: H.Con.Res. 75
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: International Affairs
Status: Failed House
Latest Action: 2026-05-14: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Last Updated: 2026-07-06T20:30:18Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 75) aims to direct the President to withdraw United States Armed Forces from any hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran, invoking the War Powers Resolution (a 1973 law that requires congressional involvement in military actions). It emphasizes Congress's constitutional authority over war declarations and seeks to end unauthorized military engagements that began on February 28, 2026.

Key Provisions

Findings (Section 1):
Declares Iran as the leading state sponsor of terrorism and a U.S. adversary, citing threats from its ballistic missiles, support for terrorist groups, nuclear ambitions, and destabilizing actions worldwide, which have caused American deaths since 1979.
Affirms Congress's exclusive power under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution to declare war.
Notes no congressional war declaration or specific authorization exists for hostilities against Iran.
States U.S. forces entered hostilities on February 28, 2026, and the President must brief Congress on deployments under the War Powers Resolution.

Termination of Use of Force (Section 2):
Directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran (including its government or military, and any ground combat or occupation roles) within 30 days of February 28, 2026 (i.e., by March 30, 2026), unless Congress declares war or passes a specific authorization for military force (AUMF).
Includes a "rule of construction" clarifying that the resolution does not:
Prohibit self-defense of the U.S., its forces, diplomatic sites, or allies from imminent attacks.
Bar a defensive U.S. troop presence in the region.
Require withdrawal of non-hostile U.S. forces in the area.

Rule of Construction on Intelligence Sharing (Section 3):
Ensures the resolution does not interfere with U.S. intelligence, counterintelligence, or investigative activities related to threats from Iran or nearby countries, including collecting, analyzing, or sharing intelligence with partners if deemed in U.S. national security interests.

Rule of Construction on Non-Authorization of Force (Section 4):
Explicitly states the resolution does not authorize any use of military force, aligning with the War Powers Resolution.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This resolution does not amend laws but enforces Section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution by directing a specific withdrawal timeline for unauthorized hostilities, reinforcing congressional checks on executive military actions.
It introduces no new statutory changes but could set a precedent for stricter application of the War Powers Resolution in cases of undeclared conflicts, potentially limiting presidential flexibility in initiating or sustaining limited military engagements without congressional approval.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: The executive branch (President and Department of Defense) would face a mandate to withdraw forces, requiring rapid logistical adjustments and congressional briefings; intelligence agencies (e.g., CIA) remain unaffected for threat monitoring.
Citizens: U.S. citizens and service members could see reduced risk of escalation into broader conflict, potentially lowering casualties and military spending, though it might limit responses to Iranian threats.
International Relations: Could de-escalate U.S.-Iran tensions, signaling congressional restraint on military action; may reassure allies (e.g., Israel, Gulf states) of continued defensive support while straining relations if perceived as weakening U.S. deterrence against Iranian proxies or nuclear activities.

Main Stakeholders Affected

U.S. Congress: Bipartisan sponsors (e.g., Representatives Gottheimer, Landsman, Cuellar) and committees like Foreign Affairs, which gain leverage over military policy.
President and Executive Branch: Directly obligated to comply, affecting foreign policy execution.
U.S. Armed Forces: Personnel in the Middle East region, facing potential redeployment from offensive roles.
Iran and Its Proxies: The Iranian government and groups like Hezbollah or Houthis, as hostilities end unless reauthorized.
U.S. Allies and Partners: Middle Eastern allies (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Israel) and NATO partners, who rely on U.S. military presence for regional security.
American Public: Taxpayers and families of service members, impacted by shifts in military engagement and national security posture.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Relies on the War Powers Resolution for enforceability; as a concurrent resolution (passed by both House and Senate but not signed by the President), it carries moral and political weight but limited legal force unless tied to funding or other levers. It avoids authorizing force, preventing unintended expansions of conflict.
Constitutional: Highlights tensions in war powers between Congress (declaring war) and the President (as Commander-in-Chief), potentially testing separation of powers if challenged in court.
Political: Introduced by a diverse group of House members on March 4, 2026, it reflects cross-party concern over unauthorized actions; passage could influence future debates on Iran policy, emphasizing diplomacy over military escalation without explicit congressional buy-in.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]

Cosponsors (11)

Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Cuellar, Henry [D-TX-28], Rep. Golden, Jared F. [D-ME-2], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Gonzalez, Vicente [D-TX-34], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Gray, Adam [D-CA-13], Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25], Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2], Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10]

Recent Actions

2026-05-14: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2026-05-14: On agreeing to the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 212 - 212 (Roll no. 170). (Roll call 170)
2026-05-14: Failed of passage/not agreed to in House On agreeing to the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 212 - 212 (Roll no. 170). (Roll call 170)
2026-05-14: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3506-3507)
2026-05-13: POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H. Con. Res. 75, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution, and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Meeks demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
2026-05-13: The previous question was ordered pursuant to a previous order of the House.
2026-05-13: DEBATE - Pursuant to a previous order, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Con. Res. 75.
2026-05-13: Considered previous order of the House. (consideration: CR H3439-3446; text: CR H3439)
2026-05-13: Consideration initiated previous order of the House.
2026-04-27: Mr. Self asked unanimous consent That, it be in order at any time to consider H. Con. Res. 75 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 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.
2026-03-04: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
2026-03-04: Submitted in House
2026-03-04: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran. — issued 2026-03-04 — PDF (4 pages)