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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.
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.
Summary
This joint resolution directs the President to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific congressional authorization for military force. The resolution affirms Congress's constitutional authority to declare war and notes that Congress has not authorized military action against Iran. The resolution includes exceptions allowing the United States to defend against direct attacks, gather intelligence about Iranian threats, and assist partner countries attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026.
AI-generated plain-language summary of the bill text — neutral, and may be imperfect. See the full text below for the exact wording.
Sponsor (1)
- Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR] (D-OR)
11 cosponsors
- Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI] (D-WI)
- Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ] (D-NJ)
- Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE] (D-DE)
- Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL] (D-IL)
- Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA] (D-VA)
- Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ] (D-AZ)
- Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ] (D-NJ)
- Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT] (D-CT)
- Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA] (D-CA)
- Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY] (D-NY)
- Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD] (D-MD)
Actions (4)
- May 13, 2026 Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations rejected by Yea-Nay Vote. 49 - 50. Record Vote Number: 118. (consideration: CR S2250-2255) · senate
- May 13, 2026 Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations made. (Pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act of 1976). · senate
- Apr 13, 2026 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. · senate
- Apr 13, 2026 Introduced in Senate
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Roll-call votes (1)
How the chamber voted on this bill — the outcome, the tally by party, and every member's recorded position. A factual record.
- On the Motion to DischargeMotion to Discharge Rejected
49 Yea · 50 Nay · 1 Not voting
- Democrats3Yea1Nay
- Republicans0Yea3Nay
- Independents1Yea0Nay
The party tally and member list below cover the 8 of 100 positions we've recorded so far; the outcome above is the official chamber result.
See how each member voted (8)
Similar bills (6)
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Full text
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
April 13, 2026
Mr. Merkley introduced the following joint resolution; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
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.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Congress has the sole power to declare war under article I, section 8, clause 11 of the United States Constitution.
(2) The President has a constitutional responsibility to take actions to defend the United States and its territories, possessions, citizens, servicemembers, and diplomats from attack.
(3) Congress has not declared war upon Iran or any person or organization within Iran, nor enacted a specific statutory authorization for the use of military force within or against Iran.
(4) The use of military force within or against Iran constitutes the introduction of United States Armed Forces into hostilities within the meaning of section 4(a) of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1543(a)).
(5) Section 1013 of the Department of State Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1984 and 1985 (50 U.S.C. 1546a) provides that any joint resolution or bill requiring the removal of United States Armed Forces from imminent engagement in hostilities without a declaration of war or specific statutory authorization shall be considered in accordance with the expedited procedures under section 601(b) of the International Security and Arms Export Control Act of 1976 (Public Law 94-
329).
SEC. 2. REMOVAL OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES FROM HOSTILITIES WITHIN OR AGAINST IRAN.
(a) Removal.—Pursuant to section 1013 of the Department of State Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1984 and 1985 (50 U.S.C. 1546a), and in accordance with section 601(b) of the International Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Act of 1976 (Public Law 94-329; 90 Stat. 765), Congress hereby directs the President to remove the United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force.
(b) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section may be construed to prevent the United States from—
(1) defending against an attack on the United States or its personnel or facilities in other nations;
(2) collecting, analyzing, or sharing intelligence, including with partner countries who have been attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026, and other nations and international organizations as appropriate, related to defense from threats from Iran or its proxies; or
(3) assisting partner countries who have been attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026, and other nations—
(A) in intercepting retaliatory attacks upon their territory by Iran or its proxies; or
(B) by providing defensive materiel support for such defensive measures. <all>
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