94 SJ 185 IS: 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. U.S. Senate 2026-04-27 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IIA119th CONGRESS2d SessionS. J. RES. 185IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESApril 27, 2026Mr. Kaine (for himself, Mr. Schiff, Mr. Schumer, Mr. Booker, Ms. Duckworth, and Ms. Baldwin) introduced the following joint resolution; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign RelationsJOINT RESOLUTIONTo 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.

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, servicemembers, 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 use of military force within or against Iran (including the enforcement of a naval blockade) 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)).(5)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).

2.

Removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of 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 resolution 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 with 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; and(3)assisting partner countries who have been attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026, and other nations—(A)in intercepting retaliatory attacks by Iran or its proxies; or(B)by providing defensive materiel support for such defensive measures.