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Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to the duration of authorizations of the use of force.

USA119th CongressHJRES-159| House 
| Updated: 4/22/2026
Tom Barrett

Tom Barrett

Republican Representative

Michigan

Cosponsors (1)
Jared F. Golden (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This joint resolution proposes a significant amendment to the United States Constitution, aiming to impose a time limit on congressional authorizations for the use of military force. Specifically, it mandates that any Act of Congress authorizing the use of military force by the United States outside its borders, and not accompanied by a formal declaration of war, will automatically expire. The proposed amendment establishes that such authorizations will cease to be effective on the earlier of two dates: either five years after the Act's enactment or on a specific termination date provided within the authorizing Act itself. This measure seeks to ensure regular congressional review and reauthorization of military engagements, preventing indefinite deployments without explicit, renewed legislative consent. The amendment would apply only to authorizations enacted after its ratification and requires approval by three-fourths of state legislatures within seven years.
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Timeline
Apr 22, 2026
Introduced in House
Apr 22, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • April 22, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • April 22, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to the duration of authorizations of the use of force.

USA119th CongressHJRES-159| House 
| Updated: 4/22/2026
This joint resolution proposes a significant amendment to the United States Constitution, aiming to impose a time limit on congressional authorizations for the use of military force. Specifically, it mandates that any Act of Congress authorizing the use of military force by the United States outside its borders, and not accompanied by a formal declaration of war, will automatically expire. The proposed amendment establishes that such authorizations will cease to be effective on the earlier of two dates: either five years after the Act's enactment or on a specific termination date provided within the authorizing Act itself. This measure seeks to ensure regular congressional review and reauthorization of military engagements, preventing indefinite deployments without explicit, renewed legislative consent. The amendment would apply only to authorizations enacted after its ratification and requires approval by three-fourths of state legislatures within seven years.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Apr 22, 2026
Introduced in House
Apr 22, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • April 22, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • April 22, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Tom Barrett

Tom Barrett

Republican Representative

Michigan

Cosponsors (1)
Jared F. Golden (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted