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. 171
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: International Affairs
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-04-13: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Last Updated: 2026-05-13T10:56:26Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of S.J. Res. 171 (119th Congress, 2d Session)

Purpose

This joint resolution aims to direct the President to withdraw United States Armed Forces from any ongoing military hostilities (armed conflicts) within or against Iran unless Congress has explicitly authorized them through a declaration of war or a specific law allowing military force.

Key Provisions

Findings (Section 1): Congress states key facts, including:
Its sole constitutional authority to declare war.
No congressional declaration of war or specific approval for military action against Iran.
References to the War Powers Resolution (a 1973 law requiring presidential consultation with Congress before entering hostilities).
Statements by Trump administration officials describing operations against Iran as a "war," with reported U.S. casualties (13 killed, 350+ wounded as of April 2026).
Determination that current actions qualify as "hostilities" under the War Powers Resolution.
Removal Directive (Section 2(a)): Orders the President to remove U.S. forces from such hostilities, using expedited congressional procedures from specific 1970s and 1980s laws.
Exceptions (Section 2(b), Rule of Construction): Allows continued U.S. actions for:
Defending against direct attacks on U.S. personnel or facilities.
Intelligence collection and sharing (including with Israel and allies).
Defensive support to Israel or others against Iranian attacks or proxies (e.g., providing defensive equipment).
Helping evacuate U.S. citizens from the area.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Does not amend laws directly but enforces the War Powers Resolution and related statutes by mandating withdrawal without congressional approval.
Invokes rare expedited procedures (fast-track debate and voting in Congress) for resolutions ending unauthorized hostilities, as outlined in 1984 and 1976 laws.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Forces the President and Department of Defense to end unauthorized combat operations, potentially shifting focus to defensive and intelligence roles.
Citizens and Servicemembers: Aims to reduce U.S. military casualties by limiting involvement; preserves evacuation support for Americans abroad.
International Relations: Could de-escalate direct U.S.-Iran conflict but maintain defensive alliances (e.g., with Israel); signals congressional limits on executive war powers.

Main Stakeholders Affected

U.S. Congress: Reasserts its war-making authority.
President and Executive Branch (e.g., Departments of Defense and State): Must comply with withdrawal order.
U.S. Armed Forces: Personnel in or near Iran would be removed from offensive hostilities.
Iran and its Proxies: Potential end to U.S. military pressure.
Allies like Israel: Continued defensive support allowed.
U.S. Citizens Abroad: Protected via evacuation provisions.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Constitutional: Reinforces Article I, Section 8 (Congress's power to declare war) versus Article II (President's commander-in-chief role), addressing debates over executive-led military actions.
Legal: Relies on War Powers framework; could face presidential veto or court challenges over separation of powers.
Political: Challenges executive discretion in foreign conflicts, especially amid reported "war" rhetoric; uses expedited rules for quick action, highlighting partisan tensions (introduced by Sen. Kim).

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

Sponsor

Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ]

Cosponsors (10)

Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]

Recent Actions

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 (5 pages)