Sponsors (4)
The resolution increases congressional control and limits U.S. troop involvement in Iran-related hostilities to curb unauthorized military escalation, while trading off faster presidential flexibility, deterrent posture, and creating legal, diplomatic, and potential cost risks.
All Americans: Congress reasserts exclusive authority over declarations of war and triggers War Powers Resolution procedures for hostilities with Iran, increasing legislative oversight and checks on extended military engagements.
U.S. service members and veterans: Forces engaged in hostilities with or inside Iran would be withdrawn unless Congress authorizes continued action, reducing the risk of prolonged U.S. troop exposure to combat.
U.S. personnel abroad and allied partners: The President retains authority to defend U.S. personnel and may continue intelligence sharing and provide defensive materiel to partners attacked by Iran, helping protect diplomats, bases, and allied civilians while limiting escalation.
U.S. military personnel and commanders: The resolution could constrain the President's ability to take rapid defensive or proactive military actions without new congressional authorization, limiting responsiveness in emergencies.
U.S. interests and border communities: Withdrawing forces or restricting operations could reduce deterrence and embolden adversaries, potentially increasing risks to U.S. interests in the region and elsewhere.
Commanders, service members, allies, and state actors: The resolution's definitions (e.g., what counts as 'introduction into hostilities' or permitted 'defensive' actions) may prompt legal and diplomatic disputes, creating operational uncertainty.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires withdrawal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in or against Iran unless Congress declares war or passes a specific authorization for use of force, while preserving limited defensive authorities.
Introduced April 13, 2026 by Jeff Merkley · Last progress April 13, 2026
Directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless Congress issues a declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force. It also states findings about Congress's sole power to declare war, notes that Congress has not authorized war against Iran, and treats U.S. military action in or against Iran as introduction of forces into hostilities under the War Powers Resolution. Preserves limited presidential authority to defend the United States and U.S. personnel, to collect and share intelligence (including with partners attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026), and to assist partner countries attacked by Iran since that date with interception of retaliatory attacks and defensive materiel support.