April 13, 2026
Mr. Warnock introduced the following joint resolution; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
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.
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)
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.
(3)
The purpose of the War Powers Resolution, as stated in section 2(a) of such resolution (50 U.S.C. 1541(a)), is to insure that the collective judgment of both the Congress and the President will apply to the introduction of United States Armed Forces into hostilities
.
(4)
Section 3 of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1542) states, The President in every possible instance shall consult with Congress before introducing United States Armed Forces into hostilities or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances.
.
(5)
On February 28, 2026, the United States launched Operation Epic Fury, introducing the United States Armed Forces into hostilities as part of a military campaign against the Government of Iran.
(6)
As of April 8, 2026, 13 members of the United States Armed Forces have been killed and at least 380 have been wounded, and President Donald J. Trump has suggested there will likely be additional American lives lost.
(7)
Following the initiation of combat operations on February 28, 2026, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels, resulting in a precipitous drop in maritime traffic and worldwide economic disruption.
(8)
On March 24, 2026, the Department of Defense ordered additional United States military forces to the region in preparation of a further escalation of the military operations consistent with the President’s statements acknowledging the possibility of using ground forces against Iran.
(9)
A ceasefire between the United States and the Government of Iran took effect on April 8, 2026. Following an initial round of negotiations, the United States announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to be implemented by the United States Armed Forces.
(10)
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)).
(11)
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 the Islamic Republic of Iran
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), 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.
Sec. 3. Rule of construction
Nothing in this resolution 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 United States partners and allies such as the State of Israel, and international organizations as appropriate, related to threats from Iran or its proxies;
(3)
assisting partner countries who have been attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026, and other nations—
(A)
in taking defensive measures to protect their territory from retaliatory attacks by Iran or its proxies; or
(B)
by providing defensive materiel support for such defensive measures; or
(4)
providing assistance for the security, departure, and evacuation to United States citizens affected by the hostilities.