Sponsor
Nydia M. Velázquez
Representative · D-NY
Representative · D-NY
The resolution clarifies it does not authorize offensive hostilities—strengthening Congressional oversight and reducing the risk of unexpected deployments—while limiting executive flexibility to act quickly, concentrating some intelligence decisions in the President, and potentially increasing costs or delays if new authorization is required.
Service members are less likely to be committed to combat solely on the basis of this resolution, reducing unexpected deployments and lowering short-term risk to troops.
Reinforces Congress's constitutional war‑declaring role and increases legislative oversight and clarity that this measure does not by itself authorize hostilities.
Preserves the President's ability to take defensive action to protect U.S. forces, diplomatic facilities, and allied states from imminent attacks, maintaining immediate protective options.
If Congress does not act quickly, the requirement for new authorization can constrain rapid U.S. military responses and deterrent options, potentially increasing risk to forces and U.S. interests.
Requiring a new statutory authorization for hostile operations could politicize urgent military decisions and delay responses to emerging threats.
May raise costs for taxpayers if Congress enacts a new AUMF or if delayed responses lengthen or expand operations, increasing near‑term budgetary obligations.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Requires termination of U.S. hostilities against Iran under the War Powers Resolution unless Congress authorizes force, while preserving defensive and intelligence activities.
Official title: Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.
Introduced May 12, 2026 by Nydia M. Velázquez · Last progress May 12, 2026
Directs the President under the War Powers Resolution to end any use of U.S. Armed Forces in hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran (including ground combat or occupation) unless Congress enacts a declaration of war or an explicit authorization for force. It preserves the President's authority to defend the United States, U.S. forces, diplomatic facilities, or allied states from imminent attack, to maintain a defensive troop presence in the region, and to conduct non‑hostile operations in the area. Clarifies that the resolution does not limit U.S. intelligence, counterintelligence, or investigative activities related to threats from Iran or neighboring countries and confirms the resolution is not a statutory authorization to use military force under existing law.