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. 180
- 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
- 2026-05-06T20:31:36Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (S.J. Res. 180) aims to direct the President to withdraw United States Armed Forces from any 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: Lists 10 factual statements, including:
- Congress's exclusive constitutional power to declare war.
- No congressional declaration of war or specific AUMF exists for actions against Iran.
- Details on "Operation Epic Fury" launched February 28, 2026, by the Trump Administration, resulting in U.S. casualties (13 killed, 380 wounded as of April 8, 2026).
- President's notifications under the War Powers Resolution (a 1973 law requiring reports on military actions).
- Threats by President Trump against Iranian infrastructure.
- Removal Directive: Orders the President to remove U.S. forces from unauthorized hostilities against Iran, using expedited congressional procedures from existing laws (e.g., Department of State Authorization Act and International Security Assistance Act).
- Exceptions (Rule of Construction): Permits continued U.S. actions such as:
- Defending against attacks on U.S. personnel or facilities abroad.
- Intelligence collection and sharing with allies attacked by Iran.
- Defensive aid to partner countries (e.g., intercepting attacks or providing defensive equipment).
- Evacuating U.S. citizens from the conflict zone.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Does not amend laws directly but enforces the War Powers Resolution and related statutes by mandating withdrawal from unauthorized actions.
- Invokes expedited procedures for fast-track congressional consideration, bypassing normal debate delays.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: U.S. military must halt offensive operations against Iran, shifting focus to defense and support roles; Department of Defense and intelligence agencies continue limited activities.
- Citizens: Reduces risk of further U.S. military casualties; enables safer evacuation of Americans in the region.
- International Relations: Could de-escalate U.S.-Iran conflict, signal limits on executive war powers; maintains support for allies targeted by Iran or its proxies (e.g., via defensive aid).
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Congress: Asserts oversight on military actions.
- President and Executive Branch: Limits unilateral military decisions.
- U.S. Armed Forces: Personnel involved in operations face redeployment.
- Iran and its Proxies: Faces reduced direct U.S. hostilities.
- U.S. Allies: Receive continued defensive and intelligence support if attacked by Iran.
- U.S. Citizens Abroad: Benefit from prioritized evacuation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Constitutional: Reinforces Article I, Section 8 (Congress's war declaration power) versus presidential defense authority under Article II.
- Legal: Relies on War Powers Resolution to define "hostilities," potentially setting precedent for future unauthorized conflicts.
- Political: Highlights tensions between branches of government; introduced by Sen. Van Hollen (D-MD) and referred to Senate Foreign Relations Committee on April 13, 2026, amid ongoing operations.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (9)
Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT]
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)