Sponsors (8)
The resolution strengthens congressional oversight and limits U.S. offensive military action to reduce combat exposure and reinforce accountability, but does so at the cost of constraining executive flexibility, increasing political pressure for rapid congressional decisions, and creating economic and strategic risks.
U.S. service members: prohibits engaging in offensive hostilities against Iran unless Congress authorizes such action, reducing their direct combat exposure.
Congress: reasserts Congress's sole constitutional power to declare war and clarifies War Powers Resolution timelines (60-day clock + 30-day extension), strengthening legislative oversight and creating firm deadlines for withdrawal or authorization.
U.S. personnel and civilians abroad: preserves the President's authority to defend the United States, its personnel, and facilities, allowing protective actions against imminent attacks.
All Americans and the military: limits the President's ability to conduct offensive military operations against Iran without new congressional authorization, constraining rapid executive responses to evolving threats.
U.S. interests and personnel abroad: restrictions on hostilities may be perceived as limiting U.S. reach and could embolden adversaries, increasing long-term strategic risk to U.S. interests.
Congress and taxpayers: the measure may force expedited, rushed, or polarized congressional decisions and political confrontations, raising the risk of delay or hasty authorizations during crises.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Orders the President to remove U.S. forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless Congress declares war or authorizes use of force, while allowing narrow defensive and support activities.
Official title: To direct removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.
Introduced April 30, 2026 by Christopher A. Coons · Last progress April 30, 2026
Directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless Congress enacts a declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force. The measure affirms Congress’s constitutional war powers, recounts recent hostilities and related Presidential actions, and preserves narrow exceptions for defensive actions, intelligence activities, assistance to partner nations defending against Iran, and security/evacuation support for U.S. citizens.