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Congress·In Committee·3 months ago

House Bill Would Force Troop Withdrawal From Anti-Terror Operations Across the Americas

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Mixed Impacts(3)
Military Active
Neutral
Child Tax Credit
Neutral
Federal Employee
Neutral

Key Points

  • Tells the President to pull U.S. troops out of active fighting against terrorist groups in North, Central, and South America unless Congress has clearly approved it
  • Says U.S. forces cannot be in combat with any group the President has labeled as a terrorist in this region without a formal war or a specific vote by Congress
  • Could lead to fewer U.S. ground troops or direct attacks in places like parts of Latin America and the Caribbean, unless Congress chooses to sign off
  • Shifts more power back to Congress to decide when and where U.S. troops are used in combat nearby, instead of leaving it mostly to the President
  • Everyday impact may be indirect, but it affects military families, defense spending choices, and the risk of the U.S. getting pulled into new conflicts close to home
National SecurityForeign PolicyCriminal Justice

Milestones

1 milestone13 actions
Dec 17, 2025House

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Dec 17, 2025House

On agreeing to the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 210 - 216 (Roll no. 345).

Dec 17, 2025

Failed of passage/not agreed to in House On agreeing to the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 210 - 216 (Roll no. 345).

Dec 17, 2025House

Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H6004-6005)

Dec 17, 2025House

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H. Con. Res. 61, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Meeks demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Shortly after the resolution takes effect

If both chambers agree, the President is directed to remove U.S. Armed Forces from these hostilities unless Congress authorizes them.

Active operations against covered terrorist groups in the Western Hemisphere would need to stop or change fast, unless Congress passes a specific authorization.

Days to weeks after the resolution takes effect

Defense Department issues new orders and rules for affected units.

Service members could see mission changes, redeployments, or a shift toward non-combat activities depending on what is still allowed.

Vote Results

1 vote
HouseFailedDec 17, 2025

On Agreeing to the Resolution

210
216
Democrat
208 – 2 · 3
Republican
2 – 214 · 4
View full roll call

Related News

1 article
The Japan Times·6 days ago

Congress must stop war by mission creep

The failure of H.Con.Res. 61 highlights the struggle of Congress to restrain the 'Donroe Doctrine.' The resolution aimed to end unauthorized strikes against narco-terrorist groups in the Caribbean and Latin America, which the administration has designated as a non-international armed conflict.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with presidentially designated terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere.

Bill NumberHCONRES 61
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionORDER OF PROCEDURE - Mr. Mast asked unanimous consent that it be in order at any time to consider H. Con. Res. 61 and H. Con. Res. 64 in the House if called up by the Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs or his designee; that each such concurrent resolution be considered as read; and that the previous question be considered as ordered on each such concurrent resolution to adoption without intervening motion except for: 1) with respect to H. Con. Res. 61, one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the Chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs or their respective designees; and 2) with respect to H. Con. Res. 64, one hour of debate equally divided among and controlled by Representative Mast of Florida, Representative Meeks of New York, and Representative McGovern of Massachusetts or their respective designees.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(41)
D: 41

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.