Sponsors (6)
The resolution strengthens congressional control over war powers and reduces direct U.S. offensive involvement with Iran—lowering some immediate combat risks—while constraining executive flexibility in crises, which may weaken deterrence, create operational disruptions, and raise costs.
Congress and the public get clearer legal findings that Congress holds the sole power to declare war and that U.S. strikes on Iran can trigger War Powers Resolution reporting and timelines, strengthening legislative oversight of new large-scale combat operations.
U.S. service members would be withdrawn from offensive hostilities against Iran unless Congress authorizes force, reducing the likelihood of American combat casualties from offensive operations.
The resolution preserves the President's authority to defend the United States and U.S. personnel, allowing immediate defensive actions to protect Americans overseas.
Limits on the President's ability to conduct offensive or prolonged military operations without a new congressional authorization constrain rapid executive responses in crises and can complicate commanders' decision-making.
Constraining offensive options could weaken U.S. deterrence against future attacks, possibly increasing long-term risk to U.S. personnel and interests.
Could prompt expedited congressional measures to withdraw forces, risking abrupt operational changes that endanger troops or allies if withdrawals are not carefully timed or coordinated.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Directs removal of U.S. forces from offensive hostilities within or against Iran unless Congress declares war or enacts a specific AUMF, while preserving defensive, intelligence, and partner-assistance activities.
Directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran unless Congress declares war or passes a specific authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) against Iran. It preserves the United States' ability to defend against attacks on U.S. people or facilities, to collect and share intelligence related to defense from Iran and its proxies, and to assist partner countries attacked by Iran (including intercepting retaliatory attacks and supplying defensive materiel). The measure also records findings about Congress's sole power to declare war, the President’s duty to defend the nation, and that current U.S. offensive operations against Iranian targets lack a specific statutory authorization.
Introduced April 13, 2026 by Mark Edward Kelly · Last progress April 13, 2026