Bill · H.J.Res. 159· House(119-HJRES-159)
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to the duration of authorizations of the use of force.
- Introduced
- 4/22/2026
- Last activity
- 4/22/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Tom Barrett
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the United States. The amendment focuses on the duration of authorizations for the use of military force by the United States outside of its borders. It specifies that any such Act of Congress passed after the article's ratification will expire after a certain period. Specifically, the authorization ceases to have effect on the earlier of two specific dates. These dates are five years after the Act's enactment or the date the Act itself provides for termination.
Yes
Does this reduce what is spent on the military?+3
The bill limits the duration of military force authorizations, which may reduce long-term military expenditures by requiring periodic new authorizations.
The opposite
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-1
The amendment limits the temporal scope of congressional authorizations for overseas military action.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Limits the duration of military force authorizations: This provision ensures that any Act of Congress authorizing military force outside the United States does not last indefinitely unless a formal declaration of war exists. This would cause the authorization to cease effect on the earlier of five years from the date of enactment or the date of termination provided in the Act. (Article--)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are mentioned in the text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Reduces Military Spending+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increase States Rights-1
- 4/22/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Jared GoldenDemocrat · Maine