Sponsors (12)
The bill shifts war‑making authority and triggers for actions against Iran toward Congress—strengthening legislative oversight and protections for servicemembers and allies but reducing presidential agility to respond quickly to threats, trading executive flexibility for democratic checks.
Congress (legislators and staff) retains and reinforces exclusive authority over declarations of war and major hostilities, strengthening legislative oversight of U.S. military engagements.
Servicemembers: The bill limits the scope of U.S. combat operations against Iran absent an explicit congressional authorization, reducing the risk of prolonged ground combat and exposure to extended deployments.
Military personnel and Congress: The bill clarifies that military actions against Iran meet the War Powers Resolution "introduction into hostilities" trigger, ensuring statutory oversight, reporting, and congressional monitoring of engagements.
President and Americans abroad: The bill restricts the President's ability to act quickly to defend U.S. persons and interests without prior congressional authorization, potentially delaying urgent protective actions.
Servicemembers: Increased political debate and potential delays over authorizations or removals could create operational uncertainty, harming morale and increasing safety risks for troops deployed near Iran.
Military planners: Narrow removal/authorization requirements and tighter congressional constraints could complicate contingency planning, reduce operational flexibility, and increase risks in volatile situations.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires the President to remove U.S. forces from hostilities in or against Iran unless Congress declares war or specifically authorizes force, while preserving narrow defensive and intelligence authorities.
Official title: To direct the 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 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 has declared war or has specifically authorized the use of force; it invokes expedited War Powers Resolution procedures and preserves narrow authorities for self-defense, intelligence activities, and limited assistance to partners attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026. The measure treats introduction of forces into hostilities against Iran as triggering War Powers Resolution removal requirements while explicitly keeping authorities to defend the United States or U.S. personnel, to collect and share intelligence, and to assist partners with intercepting retaliatory attacks or providing defensive materiel.