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SJRES 118

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.

119th Congress Introduced by Tammy Baldwin and 4 co-sponsors

Directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in Iran unless Congress authorizes war or specific force use.

Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations rejected by Yea-Nay Vote. 47 - 53. Record Vote Number: 58.
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Bill Summary · SJRES 118

Summary of SJRES 118 (119th Congress, 2nd Session)

Purpose and intent

  • SJRES 118 is a joint resolution proposed to direct the President to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.
  • The resolution asserts Congress’s exclusive power to declare war and seeks to halt U.S. military actions in Iran absent a declaration of war or explicit statutory authorization for the use of military force.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 1 — Findings

    • Reiterates Constitutional authorities: Congress has the sole power to declare war; the President has a constitutional duty to defend the U.S., but Congress has not declared war on Iran or given specific statutory authorization for force in Iran.
    • Cites the War Powers Resolution (WPR) framework: emphasizes the need for Congress and the President to act jointly when introducing U.S. Armed Forces into hostilities.
    • Cites a recent context (as of early 2026): notes a major U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and a February 28, 2026, air strike inside Iran described by the President as “war” without congressional authorization or consultation.
    • States that such use of force constitutes introduction into hostilities under the War Powers Resolution.
    • References expedited procedures for removal measures under the Department of State Authorization Act (1984-1985) via 50 U.S.C. 1546a and the International Security and Arms Export Control Act of 1976 (PL 94-329).

  • Section 2 — Removal of United States Armed Forces from Hostilities within or Against Iran

    • Subsection (a) Removal: Directs the President, pursuant to the specified statutory authorities, to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless there is an explicit declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force (AUMF).
    • Subsection (b) Rule of Construction: Clarifies limits to ensure that removal does not impede:
    • Defensive actions to protect the United States, its personnel, or facilities elsewhere.
    • Intelligence activities related to threats from Iran or its proxies (including sharing with Israel and partner countries as appropriate).
    • Assistance to Israel and other partners in defending against retaliatory attacks or in providing defensive materiel support to counter Iranian threats.
    • Importantly, the section preserves certain defensive and intelligence-sharing activities and allied support, while mandating removal from ongoing hostilities in Iran absent new congressional authorizations.

Who or what would be affected

  • The executive branch, specifically the President and U.S. Armed Forces engaged in hostilities related to Iran, would be affected by the directive to withdraw forces unless there is new congressional authorization.
  • Defense and national security operations would need to adjust in light of a mandated withdrawal, including planning for safe redeployment and potential disengagement from current combat activities in or against Iran.
  • Allied operations and intelligence-sharing arrangements with partners (e.g., Israel and other nations) are preserved for defensive and threat-assessment purposes, subject to the limits described in the bill.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: Introduced March 5, 2026, in the Senate; referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
  • Action history: A motion to discharge the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations was rejected on March 18, 2026 (Yea-Nay 47-53), indicating the bill faced procedural hurdles in advancing out of committee.
  • Expedited consideration: The bill cites expedited procedures under the International Security and Arms Export Control Act of 1976 for removal actions, should the measure advance, though it would still need passage by both Senate and House and, ultimately, signature or veto considerations by the President.

Notable context

  • The bill reflects concerns about unilateral military actions in Iran without prior congressional authorization.
  • It leverages established War Powers Resolution and related statutes to frame removal as a legislative-directed end to ongoing hostilities absent formal authorization.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current law (War Powers Resolution) or a brief risk/impact assessment outlining potential diplomatic and military consequences of its enactment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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