A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against vessels operating in the Caribbean Sea or the Eastern Pacific Ocean that have not been authorized by Congress.

119th Congress Introduced by Ruben Gallego

Directs removal of U.S. armed forces from hostilities involving vessels in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific not authorized by Congress, asserting Congress's war powers.

Introduced in Senate

Overview

Bill Number: SJRES 100

Title: A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against vessels operating in the Caribbean Sea or the Eastern Pacific Ocean that have not been authorized by Congress.

Status: Introduced in the Senate.

Introduced: December 17, 2025

Classification: Joint Resolution

Purpose and Intent

The bill seeks to compel the United States to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities involving vessels operating in two designated maritime regions: the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

The targeted hostilities are those that have not been authorized by Congress, emphasizing a congressional role in approving armed engagement.

Key Provisions (as stated by the bill’s title and summary)

Direct Withdrawal: Directs the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from ongoing hostilities against vessels operating in the specified waters (Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean) when such hostilities lack Congressional authorization.

Scope of Action: Applies specifically to hostilities involving vessels operating in the Caribbean Sea or the Eastern Pacific Ocean that have not received authorization from Congress.

Congressional Oversight/Authorization Emphasis: Reinforces the principle that significant armed conflict actions should be authorized by Congress, aligning with constitutional and War Powers considerations.

Affected Parties and Impacts

U.S. Armed Forces: Potential withdrawal from specific ongoing hostilities in the named regions if not Congress-authorized.

U.S. Government/Executive Branch: Requires consideration of military engagements in these regions under a framework that requires congressional authorization.

Maritime Actors/Vessels in Regions: Operations by vessels in the Caribbean Sea or Eastern Pacific Ocean could experience a change in the level of U.S. military engagement if such actions are determined to be unauthorized by Congress.

Policy and Legal Environment: Signals a legislative stance on the congressional role in approving hostilities, potentially affecting how future maritime operations are planned and authorized.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduction and Referral: Introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations on December 17, 2025.

Initial Step in Process: The bill has not progressed beyond the committee stage in the information provided; no further actions (e.g., hearings, amendments, passage) are listed.

Next Steps (if pursued): Committee consideration, potential floor debates or votes in the Senate, and coordination with the House (if applicable for a joint resolution). As a joint resolution, passage would require concurrence of both chambers and, if necessary, presidential action or veto considerations.

Notes

The bill is a non-binding or binding joint resolution depending on its specific language, but the title indicates a directive to alter or end certain hostilities, which implies a substantive policy outcome rather than purely symbolic language.

The content presented here reflects the bill’s stated purpose and provisions as introduced; additional text would be needed to capture any amendments or refined language in later actions.

Bill