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.
- Bill Number
- S.J.Res. 115
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-05: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-06T20:30:48Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution aims to enforce congressional authority over military engagements by directing the President to withdraw United States Armed Forces from any hostilities involving or targeting Iran, unless Congress explicitly authorizes such actions through a declaration of war or a specific statute.
Key Provisions
- Findings Section:
- Affirms that Congress holds the sole constitutional power to declare war (under Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the U.S. Constitution).
- Recognizes the President's duty to defend the U.S., its territories, citizens, service members, and diplomats from attacks.
- States that no war has been declared against Iran, and no specific law authorizes military force there.
- References the launch of "Operation Epic Fury" on February 28, 2026, by the Trump administration as an unauthorized military campaign against Iran's government.
- Classifies these actions as "hostilities" under the War Powers Resolution (a 1973 law requiring congressional notification and limits on undeclared military engagements).
- Notes expedited congressional procedures for resolutions like this one, per related laws from the 1970s and 1980s.
- Removal Directive:
- Orders the President to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran immediately, using expedited legislative processes to ensure quick consideration.
- Applies only to unauthorized actions; future engagements would need explicit congressional approval.
- Rules of Construction (clarifications to avoid misinterpretation):
- Does not prohibit defensive actions, such as responding to direct attacks on U.S. personnel or facilities abroad.
- Permits intelligence collection, analysis, and sharing with allies, including countries attacked by Iran or its proxies since February 28, 2026.
- Allows non-offensive support to partner nations, such as helping intercept attacks on their territory or providing defensive equipment (e.g., weapons or gear for protection).
- Explicitly states that 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 directly but invokes and enforces existing frameworks like the War Powers Resolution and expedited procedures from the International Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Act of 1976 (which speeds up votes on war powers issues) and the Department of State Authorization Act of 1984-1985.
- It introduces a specific mandate to end the ongoing "Operation Epic Fury" without prior congressional approval, potentially overriding executive-initiated military actions and setting a precedent for stricter adherence to authorization requirements in future conflicts.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Department of Defense and the executive branch would need to halt offensive operations against Iran, redirecting resources and potentially facing logistical challenges in withdrawing forces. This could strain relations between Congress and the presidency.
- On Citizens: U.S. service members and diplomats in the region might face reduced exposure to combat risks, but it could limit U.S. leverage in responding to threats from Iran or its supported groups.
- On International Relations: May de-escalate tensions with Iran by signaling U.S. restraint, but could weaken alliances with partner countries (e.g., those attacked by Iran) that rely on U.S. military support. It might embolden Iran or its proxies if perceived as a U.S. retreat.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Congress: Gains reinforced authority over military decisions, with sponsors (e.g., Senators Murphy, Booker, Kaine, and Schiff) leading the push for oversight.
- Executive Branch (President and Military): Directly constrained, requiring compliance with withdrawal orders unless overridden.
- U.S. Armed Forces and Personnel: Personnel involved in the operations would be redeployed, affecting deployment strategies and readiness.
- Iran and Its Government/Proxies: Targeted by the operations, potentially benefiting from reduced U.S. involvement.
- Partner Countries and Allies: Nations attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026, could receive continued defensive aid but lose broader U.S. offensive support.
- U.S. Citizens: Indirectly impacted through national security, potential tax dollars for military actions, and risks of broader conflict.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Constitutional: Reasserts the separation of powers by emphasizing Congress's exclusive role in declaring war, challenging presidential claims to unilateral military authority in undeclared conflicts.
- Legal: Relies on the War Powers Resolution to define "hostilities" and mandate removal, potentially leading to court challenges if the President resists (e.g., veto or non-compliance). The expedited procedures ensure faster congressional action, bypassing standard delays.
- Political: Highlights partisan divides on foreign policy, especially under a specific administration (noted as Trump), and could spark debates on executive overreach in military engagements. If passed, it might influence future resolutions on similar unauthorized actions, strengthening congressional checks on war powers.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT]
Cosponsors (6)
Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-05: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 2026-03-05: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- 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. — issued 2026-03-05 — PDF (4 pages)