No Funds for Iran War Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8707
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-07: 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.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-30T08:06:40Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "No Funds for Iran War Act" (H.R. 8707) aims to prevent the use of U.S. government funds for military action in or against Iran without explicit congressional approval, except in limited defensive situations. It applies from the date of enactment until December 31, 2026.
Key Provisions
- Funding Prohibition: No federal funds may be spent on military force in or against the Islamic Republic of Iran unless Congress either:
- Declares war on Iran, or
- Passes a specific law authorizing such force after the bill's enactment.
- Exceptions:
- Actions consistent with Section 2(c) of the War Powers Resolution (a 1973 law requiring congressional approval for most military actions, except in cases of declared war, statutory authorization, or response to an attack on the U.S., its territories, or armed forces).
- Defensive actions needed to protect the U.S. or its allies/partners from an imminent attack, but only if the President fully reports to Congress within 48 hours as required by Section 5(b) of the War Powers Resolution.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces a time-limited funding cutoff (through 2026) specifically targeting military actions involving Iran, building on but strengthening the War Powers Resolution by linking enforcement to appropriations (government spending).
- Shifts authority from the executive branch (President) to Congress for initiating or funding offensive military operations against Iran.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Restricts the Department of Defense and other agencies from using funds for Iran-related military operations without new congressional action, potentially limiting operational flexibility.
- Citizens: Reduces risk of U.S. involvement in an unauthorized war with Iran, which could affect military personnel, taxpayers, and national security priorities.
- International Relations: Signals to Iran and U.S. allies (e.g., Israel, Gulf states) that offensive U.S. military action requires congressional backing; may deter escalation but could embolden adversaries if perceived as weakness.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Congress: Gains stronger control over military funding and war decisions.
- President and Executive Branch: Faces limits on unilateral military options against Iran.
- U.S. Military and Allies: Impacts planning and defense coordination in the Middle East.
- Iran: Directly targeted by the restrictions on U.S. force.
- U.S. Taxpayers and Veterans: Indirectly affected through funding controls and potential avoidance of conflict.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Constitutional: Reinforces Congress's exclusive power under Article I, Section 8 to declare war and control funding ("power of the purse"), checking executive war powers.
- Legal: Relies on the War Powers Resolution for exceptions; could lead to court challenges over funding restrictions or definitions of "imminent attack" or "defensive" actions.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsors (Democrats and Republicans) highlight cross-party concern over unauthorized wars; may spark debates on U.S. foreign policy and executive overreach in military matters.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (36)
Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9], Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5], Rep. Himes, James A. [D-CT-4], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray [D-CA-31], Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6], Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2], Rep. Conaway, Herbert C. [D-NJ-3], Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-4], Rep. Scott, Robert C. "Bobby" [D-VA-3], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2], Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Hoyle, Val T. [D-OR-4], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4], Rep. Fletcher, Lizzie [D-TX-7], Rep. Vasquez, Gabe [D-NM-2], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3], Rep. Walkinshaw, James R. [D-VA-11], Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2], Rep. Morrison, Kelly [D-MN-3]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-07: 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.
- 2026-05-07: 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.
- 2026-05-07: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-07: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- No Funds for Iran War Act — issued 2026-05-07 — PDF (2 pages)