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. 172
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: International Affairs
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-06-16: Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations rejected by Yea-Nay Vote. 47 - 48. Record Vote Number: 174.
Last Updated: 2026-06-17T10:56:29Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This joint resolution (S.J. Res. 172) aims to enforce Congress's constitutional authority over war by directing the President to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from any hostilities within or against Iran that lack a formal declaration of war or specific congressional approval for military force.

Key Provisions

Findings (Section 1): Outlines 11 points, including:
Congress's sole power to declare war (U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 8).
No war declaration or specific authorization against Iran.
References to the War Powers Resolution (a 1973 law requiring presidential consultation with Congress before hostilities and timely withdrawal without approval).
Details recent events: U.S. "Operation Epic Fury" (Feb. 28, 2026), 13 U.S. deaths and 380 wounded, Strait of Hormuz closure causing economic disruption, troop reinforcements, a ceasefire (April 8, 2026), and a U.S. blockade announcement.
Removal Directive (Section 2): President must remove U.S. forces from unauthorized hostilities against Iran, using expedited congressional procedures under existing laws (50 U.S.C. 1546a and Public Law 94-329).
Exceptions (Section 3): Does not prohibit:
Defending against attacks on U.S. personnel or facilities.
Intelligence collection and sharing with allies (e.g., Israel).
Defensive aid to partners attacked by Iran since Feb. 28, 2026.
Evacuating U.S. citizens from the conflict zone.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

No direct changes; invokes and enforces the War Powers Resolution and expedited procedures for war powers resolutions, treating this as a mandatory directive rather than optional guidance.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Department of Defense and President must halt unauthorized operations, potentially ending the blockade and reducing U.S. military presence; could strain executive-congressional relations.
Citizens: May prevent further U.S. military casualties (noting 13 deaths already); supports evacuation of Americans in the region.
International Relations: Could de-escalate tensions with Iran, reopen the Strait of Hormuz (easing global trade disruptions), but limit U.S. support for allies facing Iranian threats.

Main Stakeholders Affected

U.S. Congress: Asserts oversight on military actions.
President and Executive Branch: Required to comply with withdrawal.
U.S. Armed Forces: Personnel subject to removal from combat.
Iran and its Proxies (e.g., Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps): Ends unauthorized U.S. hostilities.
U.S. Allies/Partners (e.g., Israel, nations attacked by Iran): Still eligible for defensive aid, but broader U.S. operations curtailed.
U.S. Citizens Abroad: Protected via evacuation support.
Global Economy: Potential relief from Strait of Hormuz disruptions.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Constitutional: Reinforces Congress's war declaration power vs. presidential authority, addressing debates over executive-led military actions.
Legal: Uses rare expedited procedures for fast-track consideration, bypassing standard legislative delays; cites specific statutes for enforceability.
Political: Challenges recent U.S. operations under President Trump, highlighting bipartisan war powers tensions; could set precedent for future unauthorized conflicts.

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

Sponsor

Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]

Recent Actions

2026-06-16: Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations rejected by Yea-Nay Vote. 47 - 48. Record Vote Number: 174. (Roll call 174)
2026-06-16: 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 (5 pages)