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. 163
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: International Affairs
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-05-13: Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations rejected by Yea-Nay Vote. 49 - 50. Record Vote Number: 118. (consideration: CR S2250-2255)
Last Updated: 2026-05-14T18:05:44Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This joint resolution (S.J. Res. 163) aims to direct the President to withdraw United States Armed Forces from any military hostilities within or against Iran unless Congress has explicitly authorized them through a declaration of war or a specific law allowing military force (known as an Authorization for Use of Military Force, or AUMF).

Key Provisions

Findings (Section 1):
Congress alone has the constitutional power to declare war.
The President can defend the U.S., its people, and assets from attacks.
No war has been declared against Iran, nor has Congress passed a specific AUMF for actions there.
U.S. military actions against Iran count as "hostilities" under the War Powers Resolution (a 1973 law requiring congressional notification and limits on undeclared wars).
References special fast-track rules for Congress to consider and pass resolutions like this one quickly.

Removal Directive (Section 2(a)):
Orders the President to remove U.S. forces from hostilities in or against Iran unless authorized by Congress.

Exceptions (Section 2(b) – Rule of Construction):
Does not block:
Defending against attacks on the U.S. or its personnel/facilities abroad.
Gathering, analyzing, or sharing intelligence on Iranian threats (including with countries attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026).
Helping partner nations attacked by Iran since that date by intercepting attacks or providing defensive equipment.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Invokes rarely used expedited congressional procedures from 1976 and 1984 laws to force quick debate and votes on withdrawing forces from unauthorized hostilities.
No direct amendments to prior laws, but enforces the War Powers Resolution by mandating withdrawal without new congressional approval, potentially overriding executive military actions.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Limits the Department of Defense and President from continuing unauthorized operations against Iran; requires compliance unless Congress acts.
Citizens and Servicemembers: Reduces risk of U.S. troop involvement in Iran-related conflicts without congressional backing, potentially protecting lives.
International Relations: Could de-escalate U.S.-Iran tensions but strain alliances with countries attacked by Iran (e.g., by limiting U.S. offensive support while allowing defensive aid); signals congressional oversight of foreign wars.

Main Stakeholders Affected

U.S. Congress: Asserts war powers authority.
President and Executive Branch: Must follow withdrawal order or seek AUMF.
U.S. Armed Forces: Subject to removal from Iran hostilities.
Iran and its Proxies: Faces reduced U.S. military pressure.
Partner Countries: Receive limited defensive help if attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026, but no broader U.S. offensive involvement.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Constitutional: Reinforces Article I (Congress's war declaration power) vs. Article II (President's defense role), testing separation of powers.
Legal: Leverages War Powers Resolution for enforcement; could lead to court challenges if ignored by the President.
Political: Introduced by Sen. Merkley (D-OR) on April 13, 2026; referred to Senate Foreign Relations Committee—may spark debates on U.S. interventionism, especially amid recent Iran-related attacks.

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

Sponsor

Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

Cosponsors (11)

Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]

Recent Actions

2026-05-13: Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations rejected by Yea-Nay Vote. 49 - 50. Record Vote Number: 118. (consideration: CR S2250-2255) (Roll call 118)
2026-05-13: Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations made. (Pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act of 1976).
2026-04-13: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
2026-04-13: 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 2026-04-13 — PDF (4 pages)