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SJRES 185

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 8 co-sponsors

Directs the President to withdraw U.S. armed forces from hostilities with Iran unless Congress explicitly authorizes them.

Motion to proceed to consideration of measure rejected in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 47 - 50. Record Vote Number: 192. (CR S3194)
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Bill Summary · SJRES 185

Summary of SJRES 185 (119th Congress)

A joint resolution introduced on April 27, 2026, proposing the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • Directs the President to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran unless there is an explicit authorization by Congress (a declaration of war or a specific statutory authorization for use of military force).
  • Emphasizes Congress’s constitutional responsibility to declare war and positions the resolution within the framework of the War Powers considerations.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

Section 1 — Findings

  • Reiterates several foundational positions:
    • Congress has sole power to declare war (U.S. Constitution, art. I, sec. 8, cl. 11).
    • The President may defend the U.S. and its personnel, but no war-declaration or statutory authorization for force has been enacted regarding Iran.
    • Use of force in or against Iran constitutes introduction of U.S. Armed Forces into hostilities (per War Powers Resolution definition).
    • Cites the 1984–1985 Department of State Authorization Act (50 U.S.C. 1546a) as providing expedited procedures for joint resolutions addressing imminent hostilities without declaration or authorization.

Section 2 — Removal of United States Armed Forces from Hostilities with Iran

  • Subsection (a) Removal:
    • Directs the President 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.
    • This directive is grounded in the cited statutory authorities (50 U.S.C. 1546a; 601(b) of the International Security and Arms Export Control Act, 1976).
  • Subsection (b) Rule of Construction:
    • Specifies limits to the resolution’s effect:
    • The U.S. may defend against an attack on the United States or on U.S. personnel/facilities abroad.
    • U.S. may collect, analyze, or share intelligence with partners that have been attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026, and with other nations/organizations as appropriate regarding Iran or its proxies.
    • The U.S. may assist partner countries that have been attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026, including:
      • Intercepting retaliatory attacks by Iran or proxies.
      • Providing defensive materiel support for defensive measures.

3) Who/What is Affected

Direct Effects

  • Establishes a legally binding directive for the President to withdraw U.S. armed forces from ongoing or imminent hostilities with Iran in the absence of congressional authorization.

Indirect Effects and Protections

  • Allows ongoing defense of the homeland, and defense of U.S. personnel and facilities abroad, if attacked.
  • Permits intelligence-sharing and coordination with international partners regarding Iranian threats.
  • Allows defensive and supportive actions for allied nations under attack by Iran or its proxies, including defensive material support and intercepting retaliatory attacks.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and referral:
    • Introduced in the Senate on April 27, 2026.
    • Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
  • Legislative process:
    • A joint resolution; if advanced, would follow expedited procedures under the referenced frameworks (per the cited 1984–85 act and the International Security and Arms Export Control Act), though the specific procedural steps beyond referral are not detailed in the text provided.
  • No declaration of war or authorization currently enacted; the bill would become operative only if enacted and enacted as law.

5) Notable Details

  • Sponsors and co-sponsors include: Bernie Sanders (presumably as sponsor) with co-sponsors Kaine, Duckworth, Schiff, Schumer, Booker, and Baldwin.
  • The bill explicitly references provisions from the War Powers framework and older statutes (50 U.S.C. 1546a; 50 U.S.C. 1543) to guide its authority and implementation.

If you’d like, I can compare SJRES 185 to existing War Powers Act practices or map its potential impact across specific scenarios (e.g., cyber or space domains, allied forces engagements, or incidents in the region).

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

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