S.J.Res. 118

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S.J. Res. 118 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. J. RES. 118

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

March 5, 2026

Mr. Booker (for himself, Mr. Kaine, Mr. Schiff, and Mr. Murphy) 
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 ordered the 
United States Armed Forces to conduct air 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) 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)).
(9) 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 the State of 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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