Summary of H.Con.Res. 91 (119th Congress, 2nd Session)

Title: Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran

Purpose and intent
- The concurrent resolution directs the President to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces in hostilities against Iran (the Islamic Republic of Iran) or any part of its government or military.
- The directive is issued under section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, which authorizes Congress to require the removal of US forces after a determination that they should be withdrawn from hostilities.

Key provisions
1. Termination of use of force (Section 1)
- The President is directed to remove the use of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran, including any potential ground forces in a combat role or used for occupation.
- This directive applies unless there is an explicit authorization for war or a specific authorization for use of military force against Iran.
- The directive does not apply to:
- Defensive actions to protect the U.S., its Armed Forces, diplomatic facilities, or allied states from imminent attack.
- Maintaining a troop presence in the region for defensive purposes.
- Removing U.S. forces in the region who are not engaged in hostilities against Iran.

1. Rule of construction relating to intelligence sharing (Section 2)

   • Nothing in the resolution may be construed to interfere with intelligence, counterintelligence, or investigative activities related to threats from Iran or nearby countries.
   • Specifically, it does not restrict:
     • Collection of intelligence
     • Analysis of intelligence
     • Sharing of intelligence with coalition partners, if deemed appropriate and in the national security interests of the United States.

2. Rule of construction relating to nonauthorization of the use of military force (Section 3)

   • Consistent with War Powers Resolution guidelines, nothing in this concurrent resolution authorizes the use of military force.

Procedural and timeline aspects
- Status: Introduced in the House on April 27, 2026 by Rep. Dex­ter (co-sponsored by Rep. Maxine Dexter).
- Referral: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- As a concurrent resolution, the measure expresses Congress’s views but does not itself become law or authorize new military action; it functions as a legislative directive under the War Powers framework.

Who/what is affected
- The primary impact is on U.S. Executive Branch action regarding military deployments in and against Iran.
- It would, if enacted, require the President to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran, subject to the stated exceptions (self-defense, regional defense, and non-hostile presence).
- Intelligence coordination with allies would continue under existing processes, with no disruption to lawful intelligence activities.

Notes on potential impact
- Symbolic and political effect: Signals congressional demand for a withdrawal from hostilities with Iran absent new war authorization.
- Operational effect: Could influence timing and scope of U.S. military presence in the region, especially regarding potential ground forces or occupation roles.
- Legal framework: Aligns with the War Powers Resolution’s procedures for congressional direction, while preserving defenses and intelligence activities.

Executive summary
H.Con.Res. 91 is a House concurrent resolution directing the President to terminate U.S. involvement in hostilities with Iran under the War Powers Resolution framework, with specific allowances for self-defense, regional defense, and noncombat presence. It preserves intelligence activities and does not authorize new military force, serving as a formal congressional stance on U.S. military engagement with Iran.