Sponsors (9)
The resolution reasserts Congressional control and reduces U.S. offensive involvement while preserving defensive/intelligence support to partners — trading stronger legislative oversight and lower frontline risk for potential economic costs, operational constraints, risks of escalation from ambiguous language, and faster, politically charged congressional decisions during crises.
Congress regains clearer control over use of force by treating the operation as an "introduction into hostilities" and reasserting that only Congress may declare war, triggering War Powers procedures for expedited congressional consideration.
U.S. service members are removed from offensive hostilities against Iran unless Congress authorizes further action, reducing their exposure to combat and potential casualties.
The bill preserves defensive capabilities — permitting defense of U.S. personnel, continued intelligence collection/sharing, and provision of defensive materiel to partners — improving situational awareness and allied resilience without committing U.S. forces to offensive operations.
Disruptions tied to the operation (e.g., Strait of Hormuz closure) raised global oil prices above $100/barrel, increasing fuel and living costs for millions of Americans.
The ongoing operation has already produced U.S. military casualties and leaves service members at continued risk of injury and death.
Operational constraints and ambiguous defense exceptions in the text could both limit commanders' ability to preempt or respond quickly in fast-moving crises and be interpreted broadly, risking escalation or disputes over permissible actions.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires the President to remove U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran unless Congress enacts a declaration of war or a specific AUMF.
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 Kirsten Gillibrand · Last progress April 13, 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 (AUMF). It affirms congressional findings about recent U.S. military involvement in “Operation Epic Fury,” cites casualties and disruptions since February 28, 2026, and relies on expedited War Powers procedures to require withdrawal. The directive preserves narrow authorities for self-defense, intelligence activities, and providing defensive support to partners (including defending partners directly or supplying defensive materiel). It invokes statutory procedures for expedited congressional consideration of force-withdrawal measures.