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Congress·In Committee·S.J.Res. 117

Congress Proposes Bill to Pull US Troops Out of Iran Conflict Unless War is Officially Declared

A joint resolution 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.

Legislative Progress

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Key Points

  • This proposal, introduced by several Senators, would require the President to stop military actions against Iran. It argues that only Congress has the power to declare war, and since they haven't done so, the current fighting is not legally authorized.

    From policy text

    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.
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  • The bill comes after recent fighting that began in late February 2026, which has already resulted in the deaths of six U.S. service members and injuries to 18 others. It would directly affect military personnel currently stationed in or near Iran.

    From policy text

    As of March 5, 2026, six United States servicemembers have been killed and at least 18 servicemembers have been wounded.
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  • Supporters of the bill are concerned about the conflict growing into a full-scale war without a clear plan or legal approval. They point to the closure of U.S. embassies in the region and official warnings for Americans to leave several Middle Eastern countries as signs of a dangerous escalation.

    From policy text

    On March 2, 2026, an official account of the Department of State posted a social media message that urged Americans to ``DEPART NOW'' and evacuate from Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. The United States embassies in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon closed, as of March 5, 2026, amid drone strikes
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  • Even if this passes, the U.S. military could still take action to defend itself from direct attacks. It also allows the government to keep sharing intelligence with allies like Israel and help evacuate American citizens from the area.

    From policy text

    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 United States partners and allies, and international organizations as appropriate, related to defending against threats from Iran or its proxies;
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  • If passed, the removal of troops would happen immediately unless Congress votes to officially authorize the war. The bill aims to prevent the massive spending and loss of life associated with an unauthorized long-term conflict.
National Security Foreign Policy

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Mar 5, 2026Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mar 5, 2026

Introduced in Senate

News

The GuardianCenter Left

Senate votes down measure aiming to limit Trump's war powers by 53-47 vote

The HillCenter

Republicans defeat resolution to halt US military strikes against Iran

The New York TimesCenter Left

Senate G.O.P. Again Blocks Bid to Stop Iran War Until Trump Wins Authorization

Washington ExaminerCenter Right

Senate Republicans side with Trump in second Iran war vote

Fox NewsRight

GOP blocks Booker-led push to curb Trump's military authority in Iran

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

A joint resolution 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.

Bill NumberSJRES 117
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionRead twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Read Full Bill Text

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(4)
D: 4

Political Response

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.