December 17, 2025
Mr. Gallego 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 against vessels operating in the Caribbean Sea or the Eastern Pacific Ocean that have not been authorized by Congress.
Section 1. Findings
Congress finds the following:
(1)
Congress has the sole power to declare war under article I, section 8, clause 11 of the Constitution of the United States.
(2)
Congress has not declared war or authorized the use of military force with respect to any of the vessels in the Caribbean Sea or the Eastern Pacific Ocean attacked by the United States Armed Forces since September 2, 2025.
(3)
These maritime strikes beginning on September 2, 2025, within the meaning of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1541 et seq.), are hostilities into which United States Armed Forces have been introduced.
(4)
Pursuant to section 5(b) of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1544(b)), Within sixty calendar days after a report is submitted or is required to be submitted pursuant to section 4(a)(1) [of such Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1543(a)(1))], whichever is earlier, the President shall terminate any use of United States Armed Forces with respect to which such report was submitted (or required to be submitted), unless the Congress (1) has declared war or has enacted a specific authorization for such use of United States Armed Forces, (2) has extended by law such sixty-day period, or (3) is physically unable to meet as a result of an armed attack upon the United States.
Sixty days have passed since the President notified Congress of the actions described in paragraph (2), and no such authorization or extension has been enacted.
(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 to require the removal of United States Armed Forces engaged in hostilities without a declaration of war or specific statutory authorization shall be considered in accordance with the expedited procedures of section 601(b) of the International Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Act of 1976 (Public Law 94–329; 90 Stat. 765).
Sec. 2. Termination of the use of United States Armed Forces for hostilities against vessels operating in the Caribbean Sea or the Eastern Pacific Ocean
(a) Termination
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 the provisions of 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 terminate the use of United States Armed Forces for hostilities against vessels operating in the Caribbean Sea or the Eastern Pacific Ocean, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force.
(b) Rule of construction
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the United States from defending itself from an armed attack or threat of an imminent armed attack.