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. 185
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: International Affairs
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-06-24: Motion to proceed to consideration of measure rejected in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 47 - 50. Record Vote Number: 192. (CR S3194)
Last Updated: 2026-06-30T13:11:47Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This joint resolution (S.J. Res. 185) aims to direct the President to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from any hostilities—defined as combat operations, including naval blockades—against Iran unless Congress has explicitly authorized them through a declaration of war or a specific law allowing military force (Authorization for Use of Military Force, or AUMF).

Key Provisions

Findings (Section 1): Congress asserts its exclusive constitutional power to declare war, notes the President's duty to defend the U.S., confirms no war declaration or AUMF exists for Iran, and states that actions against Iran trigger the War Powers Resolution (a 1973 law requiring congressional notification and limits on undeclared hostilities).
Removal Order (Section 2(a)): Mandates removal of U.S. forces from hostilities with or within Iran, using expedited legislative procedures from prior laws (e.g., 50 U.S.C. 1546a and Public Law 94-329) to ensure quick congressional consideration.
Exceptions (Section 2(b), Rule of Construction): Does not prohibit:
Defending against attacks on U.S. personnel, facilities, or territory.
Sharing intelligence on threats from Iran or its proxies (non-state groups backed by Iran) with affected partners (attacked since February 28, 2026) and others.
Helping those partners intercept attacks or providing defensive equipment.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

No direct amendments, but enforces and applies the War Powers Resolution and related statutes specifically to Iran, requiring withdrawal from unauthorized actions—potentially overriding executive claims of inherent presidential authority for limited strikes.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Constrains the Department of Defense (DoD) and intelligence agencies, limiting offensive operations against Iran without new congressional approval; requires compliance reporting.
Citizens and Military: Protects U.S. servicemembers from unauthorized combat risks; no direct citizen impact but could reduce escalation risks.
International Relations: Signals U.S. restraint toward Iran, potentially de-escalating tensions; preserves support for allies (e.g., Israel or Gulf states) attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026, via defense aid, but limits broader U.S. involvement.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Congress: Reasserts oversight on military actions.
President and Executive Branch: (DoD, State Department) Must withdraw forces or seek authorization.
U.S. Armed Forces: Subject to mandated removal from unauthorized hostilities.
Iran and its Proxies: Faces reduced risk of U.S. offensive actions.
U.S. Allies/Partners: (Attacked by Iran post-February 28, 2026) Retain U.S. defensive and intelligence support.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Constitutional: Reinforces Article I (Congress's war powers) vs. Article II (President's commander-in-chief role), invoking a long-debated balance.
Legal: Leverages War Powers Resolution for binding effect; expedited procedures could fast-track votes, bypassing filibusters.
Political: Challenges executive-led military engagements (e.g., past strikes on Iranian targets); introduced by bipartisan senators (Kaine, Schiff, Schumer, etc.), referred to Senate Foreign Relations Committee—likely to spark debate on U.S. foreign policy.

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

Sponsor

Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]

Cosponsors (9)

Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

Recent Actions

2026-06-24: Motion to proceed to consideration of measure rejected in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 47 - 50. Record Vote Number: 192. (CR S3194) (Roll call 192)
2026-05-19: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 415.
2026-05-19: Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 47. Record Vote Number: 129. (consideration: CR S2355) (Roll call 129)
2026-05-19: Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 47. Record Vote Number: 129. (Roll call 129)
2026-04-27: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
2026-04-27: 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 2026-04-27 — PDF (4 pages)