A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.

Bill Number: S.J.Res. 185
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: International Affairs
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-06-24: Motion to proceed to consideration of measure rejected in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 47 - 50. Record Vote Number: 192. (CR S3194)
Last Updated: 2026-07-23T23:06:22Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This joint resolution directs the President to remove United States Armed Forces from any hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that lack explicit congressional authorization, such as a formal declaration of war or a specific law permitting military action.

Key Provisions

Findings section: Reiterates Congress's constitutional authority to declare war, the President's duty to defend the nation, the absence of any war declaration or specific military authorization against Iran, and the applicability of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1543(a)) to such actions.
Removal directive: Requires the President to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran, invoking expedited congressional procedures under existing law (50 U.S.C. 1546a and Public Law 94-329).
Rule of construction: Clarifies that the resolution does not block defensive actions against attacks on U.S. personnel or facilities, intelligence sharing with partners attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026, or assistance to those partners for intercepting retaliatory strikes or receiving defensive support.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The resolution introduces no new legal authorities but applies the War Powers Resolution's removal mechanism specifically to Iran-related hostilities. It builds on prior statutes by mandating withdrawal unless Congress passes a declaration of war or targeted authorization, potentially accelerating timelines for congressional review under expedited procedures.

Potential Impacts

Government agencies: May require the Department of Defense and State Department to adjust military operations and diplomatic engagements involving Iran, potentially affecting ongoing or planned activities.
Citizens: Could influence U.S. servicemembers by limiting their involvement in Iran-related conflicts, while aiming to preserve protections for defensive responses.
International relations: Might signal a congressional limit on executive-led military actions, affecting alliances with nations attacked by Iran or its proxies since February 28, 2026, and coordination on intelligence or defensive aid.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Members of Congress, particularly those involved in foreign relations and military oversight.
The executive branch, including the President and relevant agencies like the Department of Defense.
U.S. Armed Forces personnel deployed in or near regions involving Iran.
Partner countries and international organizations facing threats from Iran or its proxies.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Constitutional aspects: Reinforces Article I, Section 8's war powers to Congress while acknowledging the President's Article II defense responsibilities, potentially testing the balance between branches.
Legal aspects: Leverages the War Powers Resolution's framework without altering its core text, using expedited procedures to enforce compliance.
Political aspects: Highlights ongoing debates over military engagements without congressional approval, focusing on Iran-specific constraints while allowing flexibility for self-defense.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]

Cosponsors (9)

Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

Recent Actions

2026-06-24: Motion to proceed to consideration of measure rejected in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 47 - 50. Record Vote Number: 192. (CR S3194) (Roll call 192)
2026-05-19: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 415.
2026-05-19: Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 47. Record Vote Number: 129. (consideration: CR S2355) (Roll call 129)
2026-05-19: Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 47. Record Vote Number: 129. (Roll call 129)
2026-04-27: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
2026-04-27: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

To direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress. — issued 2026-04-27 — PDF (4 pages)
To direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress. — issued 2026-05-19 — PDF (6 pages)