Sponsors (10)
The bill increases congressional control and forces withdrawal of U.S. forces absent authorization—reducing near‑term risk to service members and strengthening oversight—at the cost of limiting executive flexibility to respond rapidly, creating legal/operational uncertainty, and potentially weakening deterrence.
Congress (all members) regains clearer authority over declarations of war and use-of-force, including expedited procedures to vote to remove U.S. forces from unauthorized hostilities, strengthening legislative oversight of military actions.
U.S. service members will be withdrawn from hostilities in or against Iran unless Congress authorizes force, reducing immediate combat exposure and near-term risk to deployed personnel.
The President retains authority to defend the United States, its personnel, and facilities from attacks, preserving the ability to take timely defensive measures when under direct threat.
Emphasizing congressional prerogative and requiring removals can constrain the President's ability to respond quickly to sudden threats against U.S. forces, diplomats, or citizens, potentially delaying urgent defensive or limited responses.
Creates legal and operational uncertainty for commanders and service members about the permissibility and timing of operations (including blockades) until Congress acts, complicating mission planning and execution.
Restricting the presence of U.S. forces could reduce deterrence against further Iranian aggression, potentially increasing risk to U.S. allies and commercial shipping in the region.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires removal of U.S. forces from hostilities in or against Iran unless Congress declares war or enacts a specific authorization, while preserving limited defensive/intel/support activities.
Introduced April 27, 2026 by Timothy Michael Kaine · Last progress April 27, 2026
Requires 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 force. It preserves narrowly defined defensive, intelligence-sharing, and materiel-assistance activities for protection of U.S. personnel and for helping partner countries defend against attacks by Iran or its proxies that have occurred since February 28, 2026.