Bill · S.J.Res. 83· Senate(119-SJRES-83)
A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities that have not been authorized by Congress.
- Introduced
- 9/18/2025
- Last activity
- 10/8/2025 — Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations rejected by Yea-Nay Vote. 48 - 51. Record Vote Number: 555.
- Sponsored by
- Adam Schiff
- Cosponsors
- - 6 - 1
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This joint resolution directs the President to stop using United States Armed Forces for hostilities that Congress has not authorized. It specifically targets actions against organizations designated as terrorists on or after February 20, 2025, states where those entities operate, and non-state organizations trafficking illegal drugs. The resolution is a response to military strikes on vessels in September 2025. It maintains that the President cannot use force based solely on terrorist designations. However, it still allows the U.S. to defend itself from armed attacks or support civil authorities in authorized counternarcotics operations.
Yes· 3 of 11
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
Increases accountability by requiring Congressional authorization for military force.
Does this reduce what is spent on the military?+4
Directs the removal of forces from unauthorized hostilities, reducing expenditures.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+4
Asserts the rule of law and constitutional checks and balances over executive military action.
The opposite
Does this give the federal government more power?-5
Specifically reduces the unilateral power of the President to initiate military hostilities.
Does this put more money into stopping terrorism?-2
Limits the executive's ability to engage in military action against designated terrorists without 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
-
Accountability for Military Action: The resolution asserts that Congress has the sole power to declare war under the Constitution, which ensures that military force is used with legislative oversight (Section 1).
-
Clear Limits on Force: It prohibits the use of armed forces against certain terrorist organizations, states, and drug-trafficking groups unless specifically authorized, preventing unauthorized hostilities (Section 2(a)).
-
Support for Non-Lethal Drug Control: The resolution expresses a commitment to provide resources for intelligence, law enforcement, and detection technology to stop drug trafficking rather than relying on unauthorized military strikes (Section 1(8)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Restrictions on Executive Action: The resolution limits the President's ability to use armed forces against foreign terrorist organizations designated after February 20, 2025, or drug-trafficking organizations without a specific act of Congress (Section 2(a)).
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+4Improves Diplomatic Engagement+3Improves International Alliances+2Increases Counter Terrorism Funding-2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+3Reduces Government Spending+2Reduces National Debt+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5Improves Due Process+4Increases Federal Power-5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+2
- Healthcare
- Improves Opioid Crisis Response+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+2
- 10/8/2025
- Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations rejected by Yea-Nay Vote. 48 - 51. Record Vote Number: 555.
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- 10/3/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 9/18/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Tammy DuckworthDemocrat · Illinois
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California
Rand PaulRepublican · Kentucky
Bernie SandersIndependent · Vermont
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon