Bill · S.J.Res. 59· Senate(119-SJRES-59)
A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.
- Introduced
- 6/16/2025
- Last activity
- 6/27/2025 — Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations rejected by Yea-Nay Vote. 47 - 53. Record Vote Number: 328. (consideration: CR S3595)
- Sponsored by
- Timothy Kaine
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This joint resolution directs the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran. It states that Congress has not yet declared war or provided specific statutory authorization for such military force. The resolution asserts that current actions constitute hostilities or imminent involvement in hostilities under the War Powers Resolution. It calls for a full briefing, public debate, and a congressional vote before such engagement continues. Ultimately, the President is directed to terminate the use of forces against Iran or its government and military unless explicitly authorized by Congress.
What Congress actually voted on
One recorded vote has been taken on this bill.
None of them settled the bill — every vote so far has been about whether to keep going.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Congressional Oversight and Accountability: The bill requires that the question of engaging in hostilities be answered following a full briefing to Congress and the American public, a public debate in Congress, and a congressional vote (Section 1, Finding 5). This ensures the public and their elected officials are informed before military actions continue.
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Restoration of Constitutional Authority: The resolution emphasizes that Congress has the sole power to declare war (Section 1, Finding 1) and directs the President to terminate unauthorized hostilities (Section 2(a)). This aims to ensure military actions are subject to the specific statutory authorization or declaration of war required by the Constitution.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Potential Defense Vulnerability: The resolution includes a rule of construction stating that nothing should prevent the United States from defending itself from an imminent attack (Section 2(b)). However, the primary directive is to terminate the use of forces unless explicitly authorized, which changes the current status of military engagement.
| Updated | Bill | Title | Policy Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year ago | To include a finding regarding the successful execution of Operation Midnight Hammer. | ||
| 1 year ago | To amend the rule of construction. | ||
| 1 year ago | To provide for additional findings. |
- 6/27/2025
- Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations made. (Pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act of 1976). (consideration: CR S3583-3595)
- Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations rejected by Yea-Nay Vote. 47 - 53. Record Vote Number: 328. (consideration: CR S3595)
- 6/16/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- Introduced in Senate