April 13, 2026
Mr. Booker 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)
The President has a constitutional responsibility to take actions to defend the United States and its territories, possessions, citizens, service members, and diplomats from attack.
(3)
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.
(4)
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.
.
(5)
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.
.
(6)
During January and February 2026, the United States carried out the largest military buildup in the Middle East since the United States invaded Iraq in 2003.
(7)
On February 28, 2026, President Trump launched Operation Epic Fury
by ordering the United States Armed Forces to conduct air and missile strikes inside Iran’s territory, declaring that the strikes would be massive and ongoing
and describing the circumstances as war,
without congressional authorization or consultation.
(8)
According to United States Central Command, as of early March 2026, more than 50,000 members of the United States Armed Forces were participating in Operation Epic Fury.
(9)
Since the launching of Operation Epic Fury, Iran and its proxies have struck United States diplomatic and military facilities across the Middle East.
(10)
As of April 13, 2026, Iran’s retaliatory strikes have killed 13 members of the United States Armed Forces and injured more than 350, underscoring the sacrifices our servicemembers and their families make.
(11)
In March 2026, the Department of Defense deployed 2,500 Marines and confirmed the deployment of troops from the 82nd Airborne Division, including the 1st Brigade Combat Team, to support ongoing and unauthorized military operations in the Middle East.
(12)
Since the launching of Operation Epic Fury, the global cost of oil and gas, fertilizer, and basic goods have surged making it harder for American families to make ends meet.
(13)
This 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)).
(14)
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 Iran
(a) Removal
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.
(b) Rule of construction
Nothing in this section 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 with the State of Israel and partner countries who have been attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026, and other nations and international organizations as appropriate, related to threats from Iran or its proxies; or
(3)
assisting Israel and partner countries who have been attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026, and other nations—
(A)
in directly defending against retaliatory attacks upon their territories by Iran or its proxies; or
(B)
by providing defensive materiel support for such defensive measures.