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

Summary of HCONRES 94 (119th Congress)

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 U.S. Armed Forces in hostilities against Iran (the Islamic Republic of Iran) or its government or military.
• It relies on section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1544(c)), which authorizes Congress to require the removal of U.S. forces engaged in hostilities if Congress declares a lack of ongoing statutory authorization, such as a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force.

Key provisions and changes

1. Section 1 — Termination of Use of Force

   • Directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran or related combat roles.
   • Applies to ground forces or occupations, as long as there is no explicit declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force against Iran.
   • Includes a crucial caveat: removal is not mandated if there is an explicit authorization or declaration of war.

2. Section 1(b) — Rule of Construction

   • Clarifies what the resolution does not do:
     • It does not prevent the United States from defending itself, its forces, diplomatic facilities, or allied states from imminent attack.
     • It does not require the removal of U.S. troops in the region if they are present for defensive purposes.
     • It does not force the removal of troops who are not engaged in hostilities against Iran.

3. Section 2 — Rule of Construction Relating to Intelligence Sharing

   • Affirms that the resolution cannot be used to interfere with:
     • Intelligence collection, analysis, or sharing between the U.S. and coalition partners that the President determines is appropriate and in U.S. national security interests.
   • This ensures ongoing intelligence activities can continue if deemed appropriate.

4. Section 3 — Rule of Construction Relating to Non-Authorization of the Use of Military Force

   • Reinforces that the resolution itself is not a declaration of war nor an authorization for the use of military force.
   • Aligns with the War Powers Resolution framework, clarifying that this measure does not authorize new military action.

Affected parties and impact

• Affected: United States Armed Forces currently engaged in hostilities with Iran, or in combat roles related to Iran, and related U.S. policy and military planning.
• Potential impact:
  • If enacted, the President would be required to terminate use of force against Iran absent a new declaration of war or specific authorization.
  • Could necessitate redeployment or withdrawal of forces from conflict zones related to Iran.
  • Maintains flexibility for defensive postures and intelligence-sharing arrangements, as long as the President determines them appropriate for national security.
  • Leaves intact the ability to defend against imminent threats and to maintain non-hostile regional presence for defense.

Procedural and timeline aspects

• Introduced in the House on April 29, 2026, by Rep. Chuy García (co-sponsor).
• Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
• Being a concurrent resolution, it expresses Congress’s position but does not itself create binding statutory authority or alter existing War Powers Act framework beyond directing removal under section 5(c) if no authorization exists.

Additional notes

• This resolution relies on the War Powers Resolution mechanism (section 5(c)) to compel the President to remove forces, emphasizing Congress’s check on ongoing hostilities absent explicit authorization.
• It explicitly preserves the President’s authority to defend the U.S. and its allies when facing imminent threats and to maintain defensive troop presence, subject to future determinations.