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A joint resolution 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.

USA119th CongressSJRES-163| Senate 
| Updated: 4/13/2026
Jeff Merkley

Jeff Merkley

Democratic Senator

Oregon

Foreign Relations Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This joint resolution mandates the removal of United States Armed Forces from any hostilities within or against Iran, unless Congress has explicitly authorized such engagement through a declaration of war or a specific authorization for the use of military force. It strongly asserts that Congress holds the sole power to declare war under the Constitution and finds that no such authorization currently exists for military action against Iran. The resolution determines that any use of military force within or against Iran constitutes the introduction of U.S. Armed Forces into hostilities under the War Powers Resolution, triggering expedited procedures for its consideration. The directive explicitly orders the President to withdraw forces from these unauthorized hostilities. However, the resolution includes a crucial rule of construction, clarifying that it does not prevent the United States from taking certain defensive and intelligence-related actions. These permissible actions include defending against attacks on U.S. personnel or facilities, collecting and sharing intelligence related to Iranian threats, and providing assistance to partner countries attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026, for defensive measures.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

SJRES 116-68
A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.

Bill from Previous Congress

SJRES 116-69
A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.

Bill from Previous Congress

SJRES 116-63
A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.
Mar 24, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HJRES 119-153
Introduced in House
Apr 13, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Apr 13, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    SJRES 116-68
    A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    SJRES 116-69
    A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    SJRES 116-63
    A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.


  • March 24, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HJRES 119-153
    Introduced in House


  • April 13, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 13, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

A joint resolution 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.

USA119th CongressSJRES-163| Senate 
| Updated: 4/13/2026
This joint resolution mandates the removal of United States Armed Forces from any hostilities within or against Iran, unless Congress has explicitly authorized such engagement through a declaration of war or a specific authorization for the use of military force. It strongly asserts that Congress holds the sole power to declare war under the Constitution and finds that no such authorization currently exists for military action against Iran. The resolution determines that any use of military force within or against Iran constitutes the introduction of U.S. Armed Forces into hostilities under the War Powers Resolution, triggering expedited procedures for its consideration. The directive explicitly orders the President to withdraw forces from these unauthorized hostilities. However, the resolution includes a crucial rule of construction, clarifying that it does not prevent the United States from taking certain defensive and intelligence-related actions. These permissible actions include defending against attacks on U.S. personnel or facilities, collecting and sharing intelligence related to Iranian threats, and providing assistance to partner countries attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026, for defensive measures.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

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

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

SJRES 116-68
A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.

Bill from Previous Congress

SJRES 116-69
A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.

Bill from Previous Congress

SJRES 116-63
A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.
Mar 24, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HJRES 119-153
Introduced in House
Apr 13, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Apr 13, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    SJRES 116-68
    A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    SJRES 116-69
    A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    SJRES 116-63
    A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.


  • March 24, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HJRES 119-153
    Introduced in House


  • April 13, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 13, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Jeff Merkley

Jeff Merkley

Democratic Senator

Oregon

Foreign Relations Committee

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