Bill

HCONRES 83

Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from hostilities in Lebanon that have not been authorized by Congress.

119th Congress Introduced by Yassamin Ansari and 6 co-sponsors

Direct the President to withdraw U.S. forces from Lebanon hostilities not authorized by Congress within 7 days, unless war or explicit authorization is enacted.

Submitted in House

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Bill Summary · HCONRES 83

Summary of HCONRES 83 (119th Congress, Second Session)

Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from hostilities in Lebanon that have not been authorized by Congress.

Purpose and Intent

The concurrent resolution directs the President to withdraw U.S. armed forces from hostilities in Lebanon that are not authorized by Congress.
It relies on the War Powers Resolution (WPR) framework, specifically section 5(c), which allows Congress to direct the President to remove troops engaged in hostilities without a declaration of war or specific statutory authorization.

Key Provisions

Section 1: Findings

The resolution lays out several factual and legal findings:
1. Congress retains the sole power to declare war under the Constitution (Article I).
2. The War Powers Resolution permits the President to engage armed forces only under three conditions: (a) declaration of war, (b) specific statutory authorization, or (c) a national emergency created by attack on the United States or its forces.
3. Congress has not declared war or provided specific statutory authorization for U.S. military participation in Israel's military action in Lebanon, and no entity inside Lebanon has been designated under any AUMF.
4. Section 5(c) of the WPR allows Congress to direct the removal of forces from hostilities outside the U.S. when such forces are engaged without a declaration or authorization.
5. Section 8(c) of the WPR defines “the introduction of United States Armed Forces” to include their assignment to coordinate or support foreign forces, which would encompass activities tied to Israel’s air campaign in Lebanon.
6. No statute explicitly authorizes U.S. forces’ involvement in Israel’s Lebanon operations.

Section 2: Removal of Armed Forces

The core directive: The President is directed to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in Lebanon not later than 7 days after the date of adoption of the concurrent resolution.
Condition for maintenance: Removal is required unless and until a declaration of war or specific authorization for such use of the U.S. Armed Forces has been enacted into law.

Who and What This Affects

Affected Parties

United States Armed Forces currently involved in hostilities in Lebanon without a formal war declaration or specific statutory authorization.
The President and executive branch, which would be required to implement the withdrawal under the War Powers Resolution framework.

Broader Impact Considerations

The resolution asserts Congressional authority over foreign military engagements absent formal authorization.
It could influence ongoing U.S. military posture and operations related to Lebanon and Israel’s actions within Lebanon's borders.
By tying withdrawal to the absence of a declaration or authorization, it foregrounds procedural checks on undeclared hostilities.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction Date: March 27, 2026.
Referral: Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Directives: If adopted, the President must remove U.S. forces from non-authorized hostilities in Lebanon within 7 days of adoption of the concurrent resolution, unless Congress enacts a declaration of war or a specific statute authorizing such use.
Status: As of the bill text, it is a concurrent resolution, which expresses the sense and directs executive action but does not itself become law in the same way as a statute.

Notes for Readers

This bill emphasizes Congress’s War Powers role and seeks an immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces from Lebanon hostilities lacking statutory authorization.
It does not establish new authorities or authorizations; rather, it leverages the War Powers Resolution to compel withdrawal unless Congress acts to authorize the use of force.

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