Sponsors (11)
The bill shifts control over initiating and continuing U.S. hostilities toward Congress—strengthening legislative oversight and limiting offensive action (notably versus Iran) while raising risks of operational disruption, slower crisis responses, and added costs and intelligence-sharing risks associated with allied support.
All Americans benefit from stronger congressional oversight of military action because the bill reasserts Congress's War Powers and requires authorization for hostilities, including triggering statutory timelines (60 days plus a single 30-day extension).
U.S. service members would be withdrawn from offensive hostilities against Iran unless Congress authorizes force, reducing exposure of troops to offensive combat operations.
The bill preserves authority to defend U.S. personnel and facilities and to assist with evacuations and security of U.S. citizens abroad, maintaining protections for Americans overseas during crises.
Service members and missions could face abrupt limits or disruptions because statutory deadlines and the requirement for Congressional authorization can terminate or constrain operations if Congress does not act promptly.
The bill constrains the President's ability to conduct offensive military action, which could limit rapid executive responses to evolving threats without prior Congressional approval.
Requiring increased Congressional action in crises may delay timely military decisions and complicate command-and-control, creating slower responses during fast-moving emergencies.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires removal of U.S. forces from hostilities in or against Iran unless Congress enacts a declaration of war or a specific statutory authorization, while preserving limited defensive, intelligence, allied-assistance, and evacuation 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 16, 2026 by Adam Schiff · Last progress April 16, 2026
Directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in or against Iran unless Congress enacts a declaration of war or a specific statute authorizing the use of force. It relies on the War Powers Resolution expedited removal procedures and preserves limited authorities for defensive actions, intelligence activities (including sharing with partners and Israel), assistance to allies for defensive purposes, and evacuation or protection of U.S. citizens.