No Invading Allies Act

Bill Number

H.R. 1936

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-03-25: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H1229)

Last Updated

2026-01-21T09:05:41Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The "No Invading Allies Act" (H.R. 1936) aims to prevent the U.S. President from directing the U.S. Armed Forces to invade or seize territory from Canada, the Republic of Panama, or the self-governing territory of Greenland without explicit congressional approval or a clear national emergency due to an attack. It reaffirms U.S. commitment to international rules, alliances, and opposition to territorial aggression.

Key Provisions

• Funding Prohibition: No federal funds allocated to the U.S. Armed Forces can be used for operations to invade or seize territory from the specified countries/territories unless:
• Congress declares war.
• Congress provides specific statutory authorization (a law passed by Congress approving the action).
• A national emergency arises from an attack or imminent threat of attack on the U.S., its territories, possessions, or Armed Forces.
• National Emergency Limit: In a national emergency scenario, funds can only be used for introducing U.S. forces into hostilities (or situations likely leading to hostilities) for a maximum of 60 days starting from the date of introduction.
• Definition of "Introduction of U.S. Armed Forces": This includes assigning U.S. military personnel to command, coordinate, support the movement of, or accompany foreign military forces that are engaged (or imminently likely to engage) in hostilities.
• Rule of Construction: The Act does not change the U.S. Constitution's division of powers between Congress and the President, nor does it affect existing treaties. It also excludes activities approved under Section 503 of the National Security Act of 1947 (which covers certain intelligence operations requiring congressional notification).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill introduces a targeted funding restriction not previously specified in U.S. law for these particular countries/territories, building on broader frameworks like the War Powers Resolution of 1973 (which limits presidential military actions without congressional input).
• It adds a 60-day time limit on emergency military engagements against these entities, providing a clearer boundary than general emergency powers under laws like the National Emergencies Act.
• No direct amendments to existing statutes are made, but it creates an enforceable barrier via appropriations (budget) controls, which Congress can use to oversee military spending.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The Department of Defense (DoD) and related agencies would face strict limits on budgeting and operations, requiring congressional review for any actions against Canada, Panama, or Greenland. This could delay or prevent military planning in those regions without approval.
• On Citizens: U.S. citizens may benefit from reduced risk of unauthorized wars or escalations with close neighbors/allies, potentially lowering taxpayer costs for such conflicts and upholding diplomatic stability.
• On International Relations: Strengthens ties with Canada (a key NATO ally), Panama (linked via the Panama Canal Treaty), and Greenland (autonomous Danish territory with U.S. strategic interests). It signals U.S. opposition to aggression, potentially deterring provocative rhetoric or actions, but could limit executive flexibility in unforeseen crises.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• U.S. Government Branches: The President (executive branch) faces new constraints on unilateral military decisions; Congress gains reinforced oversight through funding controls.
• U.S. Military and Defense Officials: Armed Forces personnel and DoD leaders must comply with the funding limits, affecting operational planning.
• Foreign Entities: Governments of Canada, Panama, and Greenland/Denmark, as direct beneficiaries of the protection against U.S. invasion.
• U.S. Taxpayers and Advocacy Groups: Those concerned with foreign policy, peace, or alliances (e.g., veterans' groups, international relations NGOs) who support limits on military adventurism.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal/Constitutional: Reinforces Congress's "power of the purse" (constitutional authority over spending) to check presidential war powers under Article I, without altering the President's role as Commander-in-Chief (Article II). It aligns with but does not override treaty obligations, ensuring no conflict with international agreements like NATO.
• Political: Introduced by a bipartisan group of House members, it may serve as a symbolic or preemptive measure against potential executive overreach, especially amid debates on U.S. foreign policy. If enacted, it could set a precedent for similar targeted restrictions on military actions elsewhere, influencing future appropriations debates. However, enforcement relies on congressional budgeting, which can be politically contentious.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2]

Cosponsors (12)

Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-14], Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7], Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8], Rep. McGarvey, Morgan [D-KY-3], Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10], Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-4]

Recent Actions

• 2025-03-25: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H1229)
• 2025-03-06: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-03-06: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-03-06: Introduced in House
• 2025-03-06: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• No Invading Allies Act — issued 2025-03-06 — PDF (4 pages)