Last progress June 17, 2025 (5 months ago)
Introduced on June 17, 2025 by Bernard Sanders
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
This bill blocks the U.S. government from spending money on using military force in or against Iran unless Congress clearly approves it first by declaring war or passing a new, specific law. It also states that older authorizations, like those used after 9/11 or for the Iraq War, cannot be used to justify action against Iran now . The bill keeps in place the usual limits and reporting rules under the War Powers Resolution. It does not itself give any new power to start a war .
There is a narrow exception for urgent self-defense consistent with the War Powers Resolution. Otherwise, the President would need Congress to act before using force against Iran .
Key points
| Who is affected | What changes | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. military and executive branch | No funds can be used for military action in or against Iran without new, specific approval from Congress | After this bill becomes law |
| Congress | Keeps its role to approve any new use of force against Iran | Ongoing |
| Public | Reduces chance of an unauthorized war and increases accountability | Ongoing |