[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S.J. Res. 183 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. J. RES. 183
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.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
April 13, 2026
Mr. Booker introduced the following joint resolution; which was read
twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
_______________________________________________________________________
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.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Congress has the sole power to declare war under
article I, section 8, clause 11 of the United States
Constitution.
(2) The President has a constitutional responsibility to
take actions to defend the United States and its territories,
possessions, citizens, service members, and diplomats from
attack.
(3) Congress has not declared war upon Iran or any person
or organization within Iran, nor enacted a specific statutory
authorization for the use of military force within or against
Iran.
(4) The purpose of the War Powers Resolution, as stated in
section 2(a) of such resolution (50 U.S.C. 1541(a)), is to
``insure that the collective judgment of both the Congress and
the President will apply to the introduction of United States
Armed Forces into hostilities.''.
(5) Section 3 of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1542)
states, ``The President in every possible instance shall
consult with Congress before introducing United States Armed
Forces into hostilities or into situations where imminent
involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the
circumstances.''.
(6) During January and February 2026, the United States
carried out the largest military buildup in the Middle East
since the United States invaded Iraq in 2003.
(7) On February 28, 2026, President Trump launched
``Operation Epic Fury'' by ordering the United States Armed
Forces to conduct air and missile strikes inside Iran's
territory, declaring that the strikes would be ``massive and
ongoing'' and describing the circumstances as ``war,'' without
congressional authorization or consultation.
(8) According to United States Central Command, as of early
March 2026, more than 50,000 members of the United States Armed
Forces were participating in Operation Epic Fury.
(9) Since the launching of Operation Epic Fury, Iran and
its proxies have struck United States diplomatic and military
facilities across the Middle East.
(10) As of April 13, 2026, Iran's retaliatory strikes have
killed 13 members of the United States Armed Forces and injured
more than 350, underscoring the sacrifices our servicemembers
and their families make.
(11) In March 2026, the Department of Defense deployed
2,500 Marines and confirmed the deployment of troops from the
82nd Airborne Division, including the 1st Brigade Combat Team,
to support ongoing and unauthorized military operations in the
Middle East.
(12) Since the launching of Operation Epic Fury, the global
cost of oil and gas, fertilizer, and basic goods have surged
making it harder for American families to make ends meet.
(13) This use of military force within or against Iran
constitutes the introduction of United States Armed Forces into
hostilities within the meaning of section 4(a) of the War
Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1543(a)).
(14) Section 1013 of the Department of State Authorization
Act, Fiscal Years 1984 and 1985 (50 U.S.C. 1546a) provides that
any joint resolution or bill requiring the removal of United
States Armed Forces from imminent engagement in hostilities
without a declaration of war or specific statutory
authorization shall be considered in accordance with the
expedited procedures under section 601(b) of the International
Security and Arms Export Control Act of 1976 (Public Law 94-
329).
SEC. 2. REMOVAL OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES FROM HOSTILITIES WITHIN
OR AGAINST IRAN.
(a) Removal.--Pursuant to section 1013 of the Department of State
Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1984 and 1985 (50 U.S.C. 1546a), and in
accordance with section 601(b) of the International Security Assistance
and Arms Export Control Act of 1976 (Public Law 94-329), Congress
hereby directs the President to remove the United States Armed Forces
from hostilities within or against Iran, unless explicitly authorized
by a declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military
force.
(b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be construed
to prevent the United States from--
(1) defending against an attack on the United States or its
personnel or facilities in other nations;
(2) collecting, analyzing, or sharing intelligence,
including with the State of Israel and partner countries who
have been attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026, and other
nations and international organizations as appropriate, related
to threats from Iran or its proxies; or
(3) assisting Israel and partner countries who have been
attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026, and other nations--
(A) in directly defending against retaliatory
attacks upon their territories by Iran or its proxies;
or
(B) by providing defensive materiel support for
such defensive measures.
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