Summary of HCONRES 38

Bill Information

• Bill Number: HCONRES 38
• Title: Directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
• Status: Submitted in House
• Introduced: June 17, 2025
• Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HCONRES 38 aims to reaffirm Congress's constitutional authority to declare war and to direct the President to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities involving Iran that lack congressional authorization. The resolution emphasizes the importance of legislative oversight in military engagements and seeks to ensure that any military action against Iran is conducted in accordance with the War Powers Resolution.

Key Provisions

1. Congressional Findings:

   • Congress asserts its exclusive power to declare war as outlined in Article 1, Section 8, Clause 11 of the U.S. Constitution.
   • The resolution notes that Congress has not declared war or provided specific authorization for military actions involving U.S. forces against Iran.
   • It references Section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, which mandates the President to remove U.S. forces engaged in hostilities without a declaration of war or specific statutory authorization, if directed by Congress.

2. Directive to the President:

   • The resolution directs the President to take necessary actions to remove U.S. Armed Forces from any unauthorized hostilities in Iran.

Affected Parties

• U.S. Armed Forces: The resolution directly impacts military personnel currently engaged in operations in Iran.
• Congress: The resolution reinforces Congress's role in authorizing military action, potentially affecting future military engagements.
• U.S.-Iran Relations: The resolution may influence diplomatic and military relations between the United States and Iran.

Legislative Actions

• June 17, 2025: The resolution was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Sponsors

The resolution is sponsored by Representative Thomas Massie and has numerous cosponsors, including notable members such as:
- Gwen Moore
- Eric Swalwell
- Ro Khanna
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Ilhan Omar

Conclusion

HCONRES 38 seeks to assert congressional authority over military actions involving Iran and aims to ensure that U.S. military engagements are conducted with proper legislative oversight. By directing the President to withdraw forces from unauthorized hostilities, the resolution highlights the ongoing debate regarding the balance of power between Congress and the Executive Branch in matters of war and peace.