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. 184
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: International Affairs
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-04-30: Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations rejected by Yea-Nay Vote. 47 - 50. Record Vote Number: 113. (consideration: CR S2156-2158)
Last Updated: 2026-05-06T15:14:14Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of S.J. Res. 184 (119th Congress, 2d Session)

Purpose

This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from 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). It aims to enforce Congress's constitutional role in deciding on war.

Key Provisions

Findings (Section 1): Outlines background facts, including:
Congress's sole power to declare war (U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 8).
No declaration of war or specific AUMF exists for actions against Iran.
President's notification to Congress on March 2, 2026, under the War Powers Resolution (a 1973 law requiring presidential reports on military actions and limiting them to 60 days without congressional approval) about operations starting February 28, 2026.
The 60-day limit expires May 1, 2026, with no extensions or authorizations in place.
Removal Directive (Section 2(a)): Orders the President to withdraw U.S. forces from unauthorized hostilities against Iran, using expedited congressional procedures for quick consideration.
Exceptions (Section 2(b), Rule of Construction): Allows continued U.S. actions for:
Defending against attacks on U.S. personnel or facilities.
Intelligence collection and sharing (e.g., with Israel or allies).
Defensive support to Israel or others against Iranian attacks or proxies (e.g., providing defensive equipment).
Helping U.S. citizens evacuate or stay safe.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Does not amend laws but enforces the War Powers Resolution and related statutes by passing a binding directive for withdrawal.
Invokes special fast-track rules (from 1976 and 1984 laws) to bypass normal delays in Congress for such resolutions.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: U.S. military (Department of Defense) must halt offensive operations against Iran, potentially shifting to defensive postures; President may veto, leading to override attempts.
Citizens: Protects U.S. personnel by limiting unauthorized risks; enables safer evacuations for Americans in the region.
International Relations: Could de-escalate U.S.-Iran tensions, signal limits on U.S. involvement; reassures allies like Israel via defensive aid allowances but may strain relations if seen as weakness.

Main Stakeholders Affected

U.S. Congress: Asserts war powers authority.
President and Executive Branch: Faces mandate to withdraw forces, with veto power.
U.S. Military Personnel: Directly impacts deployment and mission scope.
Iran and its Proxies: Potential end to U.S. offensive actions.
U.S. Allies (e.g., Israel): Continued defensive support preserved.
U.S. Citizens Abroad: Evacuation and security assistance prioritized.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Constitutional: Reinforces debate over war powers—Congress vs. President—citing Article I (Congress declares war) and President's defense duties (Article II).
Legal: Relies on War Powers Resolution's 60-day clock; could trigger court challenges if enforced against presidential objections.
Political: Introduced by Sens. Schiff, Kaine, et al. (April 2026); referred to Senate Foreign Relations Committee; may highlight partisan divides on foreign policy, especially amid ongoing (hypothetical 2026) hostilities.

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

Sponsor

Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]

Cosponsors (10)

Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY]

Recent Actions

2026-04-30: Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations rejected by Yea-Nay Vote. 47 - 50. Record Vote Number: 113. (consideration: CR S2156-2158) (Roll call 113)
2026-04-16: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
2026-04-16: 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 2026-04-16 — PDF (5 pages)