Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.
H. Con. Res. 40 – Directing removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran
119th Congress
This concurrent resolution tells the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from fighting against Iran, unless Congress clearly authorizes it. It allows U.S. forces to act only to defend the United States or its allies from an imminent attack. It uses the process set out in the War Powers Resolution.
- Bill Number
- HCONRES40
- Chamber
- senate
What This Bill Does
The resolution orders the President to take U.S. Armed Forces out of any hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran. This covers ongoing or future military actions that amount to fighting or direct use of force against Iran. It makes an exception for U.S. forces needed to defend the United States or a U.S. ally or partner from an imminent attack. For any such defensive use of force, the President must fully follow section 5(b) of the War Powers Resolution, which includes time limits and reporting to Congress. The resolution says U.S. forces can only be in hostilities with Iran if Congress later passes a formal declaration of war or a specific law that authorizes the use of military force against Iran. Without that, the President is directed to remove forces from those hostilities.
Why It Matters
This resolution deals with who decides when U.S. forces take part in fighting with another country, in this case Iran. It would limit ongoing or new combat activities unless Congress clearly approves them. For service members and their families, this could affect whether and how long they might be involved in military operations related to Iran. For the public, it highlights how the War Powers Resolution is used to manage the balance between Congress and the President on decisions about war and peace. The exact military and diplomatic effects would depend on current and future events, which are not detailed in the text.