hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Directs President to remove troops from hostilities with Iran unless Congress authorizes force.
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) lead sponsor, with Booker, Schiff, Kaine.
Introduced in Senate, referred to Foreign Relations Committee.
The bill cites Congress's sole power to declare war and notes the Trump administration launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran on Feb 28, 2026 without congressional authorization. Over 50,000 U.S. troops have been involved, with six deaths reported. The bill would require the President to end these hostilities unless Congress passes a specific declaration of war or authorization for use of military force. However, it allows continued defensive actions and intelligence sharing.
Introduced Mar 5, 2026
This bill is under review by a committee. The committee holds hearings, gathers testimony from experts and stakeholders, and may propose amendments. If the committee votes to advance it, the bill moves to the full chamber for debate and a vote.
The bill requires the President to remove U.S. forces from hostilities within or against Iran, meaning airstrikes, ground operations, or naval engagements would stop. However, it carves out exceptions for self-defense (defending U.S. personnel or facilities), intelligence activities, and helping allied nations that have been attacked by Iran since Feb 28, 2026. This means defensive operations could continue, but offensive campaigns would require congressional approval.
Supporters Say
Supporters say Congress must reclaim its constitutional war power and prevent an unauthorized, open-ended conflict with Iran.
Critics Say
Critics argue the bill ties the President's hands during an ongoing operation and could embolden Iran by signaling a withdrawal.
Supporters, including civil liberties groups and some Democrats, emphasize that the Founders gave Congress sole power to declare war to prevent executive overreach. They note the Trump administration's own officials called it a 'war' and provided no clear end date. Critics, often from the administration and some Republicans, contend that the President has the duty to protect U.S. interests and that the resolution's exceptions are too narrow, potentially hampering necessary actions against Iranian proxies.