No Funds for Iran War Act

119th Congress Introduced by Salud Carbajal and 15 co-sponsors

The bill would prohibit federal funds from being used for any military action against Iran unless Congress explicitly authorizes it or declares war, through 2026.

Introduced in House

No Funds for Iran War Act (H.R. 8707) — Summary

Purpose and intent

The bill aims to constrain the use of federal funds for military action against Iran. Specifically, it would prohibit the obligation or expenditure of funds for any use of military force in or against Iran unless Congress has explicitly authorized such use through a declaration of war or a new statutory authorization after the bill’s enactment.

Short title: No Funds for Iran War Act.

Key provisions and changes

Prohibition on funding (general rule):

From the date of enactment through December 31, 2026, no funds made available to the federal government may be obligated or expended for any use of military force in or against Iran unless Congress has: 1) Declared war on Iran, or 2) Enacted specific statutory authorization for such use of military force after the date of enactment.

Authorized exceptions (carve-outs):

The funding prohibition does not apply to:
Any use of military force that is consistent with section 2(c) of the War Powers Resolution (i.e., a use of force consistent with conditions for Congress’s authorization/notification and other constitutional requirements) or
A use of force that is necessary to defend the United States or an ally or partner from imminent attack, provided the President complies with the War Powers Resolution requirements (specifically section 5(b)) for such a use.

Temporal scope:

The funding restriction is active from enactment through the end of 2026, unless amended or repealed.

Oversight and jurisdiction:

Referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Committee on Armed Services for consideration.

Who/what is affected

Affects federal funding decisions and military action planning related to Iran.

Potentially constrains executive branch military options without new Congress-approved authorization.

Affects U.S. military engagements, contingency operations, or broader hostilities involving Iran during the 2026 window unless Congress acts.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction date: May 7, 2026.

Legislative path: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Armed Services, with a period to be determined by the Speaker for consideration within respective jurisdictions.

No indication in the text of a Senate companion or subsequent amendments; passage would require both chambers and the President’s signature to become law.

Practical impact and considerations

If enacted as-is, the bill would create a strong presumption against funding for offensive military actions against Iran without explicit congressional authorization.

It places emphasis on congressional oversight for war powers, aligning with a broader debate about executive branch war-making authority.

The exceptions rely on existing War Powers Resolution procedures, maintaining some flexibility for self-defense or imminent threats, but with procedural compliance requirements.

The 2026 sunset (end date) means the restriction would lapse unless renewed or expanded by Congress, potentially necessitating future legislative action to maintain the constraint.