Contact Congress about H.Con.Res. 38: Directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

U.S. forces would have to stop fighting Iran unless Congress specifically approves it. The measure keeps a self-defense exception for an imminent attack and does not block intelligence work.

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Directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran. is a House bill no longer advancing. The latest recorded action: Failed of passage/not agreed to in House On agreeing to the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 212 - 219 (Roll no. 85).

Latest action on H.Con.Res. 38: Failed of passage/not agreed to in House On agreeing to the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 212 - 219 (Roll no. 85).

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects U.S. service members, the President, and military leaders because it deals with when American forces can be used against Iran. It also matters to Congress, which would be asserting its role in approving war. Intelligence agencies and partner governments could also be affected because the bill allows intelligence sharing and related security work to keep going.

Why this matters: This matters because it could make it harder for the United States to drift into a bigger war with Iran without a clear vote from Congress. It puts the basic war-power question front and center: does the President act alone, or must Congress approve a wider fight? For troops and their families, that could affect whether service members are sent into a dangerous and possibly long conflict. For the public, it speaks to who is accountable when the country moves toward war. At the same time, the measure's exact legal effect is not fully settled because this type of resolution can face constitutional and procedural disputes.

Key provisions in H.Con.Res. 38

• Tells the President to stop using U.S. troops in hostilities against Iran or against Iran's government or military under section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution.
• Still lets U.S. forces use force in self-defense if an attack is imminent, meaning about to happen soon.
• Lets U.S. intelligence, counterintelligence, and investigative work on threats in or from Iran keep going. That includes gathering, reviewing, and sharing intelligence with partner countries.
• Says U.S. forces cannot enter future hostilities against Iran unless Congress clearly approves it through a declaration of war or a specific authorization to use military force.
• Makes clear that this resolution does not itself approve any use of military force, consistent with section 8(a)(1) of the War Powers Resolution.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.Con.Res. 38

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.Con.Res. 38

What is H.Con.Res. 38?

U.S. forces would have to stop fighting Iran unless Congress specifically approves it. The measure keeps a self-defense exception for an imminent attack and does not block intelligence work.

How do I support or oppose H.Con.Res. 38?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.Con.Res. 38?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.Con.Res. 38 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.