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

Overview

• Bill: HConRes 92 (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: Direct the President to terminate the use of U.S. Armed Forces in hostilities against Iran and related governmental/military actors, unless a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force against Iran is enacted.
• Sponsor(s): Representative Garamendi (and co-sponsor)
• Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs (April 28, 2026)

What the bill does

• Directs the President, under section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to withdraw the U.S. armed forces from hostilities against Iran or its government/military, including any potential ground combat role or occupation.
• The mandate applies unless there is:
  • A declaration of war by Congress, or
  • A specific authorization for use of military force (AUMF) against Iran.

Key provisions

• Termination of use of force (Section 1)
  • Explicit directive to remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities with Iran.
  • Covers ground forces in combat roles and occupancy activities.
• Rule of construction (Section 1)
  • Clarifies that the directive:
  • Does not bar self-defense or defense of U.S. forces, diplomatic facilities, or allied states from imminent attack.
  • Does not prohibit a regional troop presence for defensive purposes.
  • Does not require removal of U.S. forces in the region that are not engaged in hostilities against Iran.
• Intelligence-sharing prohibition clarification (Section 2)
  • States that the resolution must not interfere with intelligence, counterintelligence, or investigative activities related to Iran or nearby countries if such activities are conducted by the U.S. government or shared with coalition partners when appropriate for national security.
• Nonauthorization clause (Section 3)
  • Explicitly states that the resolution does not authorize the use of military force (consistent with War Powers Resolution requirements).

Who/what is affected

• U.S. Armed Forces currently engaged in hostilities with Iran would be required to be removed from those hostilities.
• Potential ground forces and occupation/combat-role personnel would be affected unless a war declaration or specific AUMF is enacted.
• U.S. intelligence, counterintelligence, and allied/intelligence-sharing activities related to Iran are preserved insofar as they relate to ongoing national security interests and cooperative efforts.
• Policymakers: The resolution constrains presidential authority to authorize new hostilities against Iran absent new congressional approvals.

Procedural and timeline aspects

• Path: Introduced in House of Representatives; referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
• Timing: An April 2026 filing indicates potential consideration during the 2026 session, consistent with requested War Powers action.
• Legal basis: Relies on section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1544(c)) to direct removal of forces from hostilities.

Practical impact and considerations

• This concurrent resolution would not by itself create new law or authorize war but would direct executive branch action to disengage U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran, subject to existing War Powers constraints.
• It preserves self-defense and regional defense postures, allowing for defensive troop presence or evacuation of personnel if warranted.
• The measure signals a legislative stance favoring termination of active conflict with Iran unless Congress approves continued or new military engagement through a formal declaration of war or AUMF.