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Congress·In Committee·S.J.Res. 123

Sen. Duckworth Introduces Resolution to End Unauthorized Military Action Against Iran

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.

3 days ago·View on Congress.gov

The Bottom Line

The U.S. military launched "Operation Epic Fury" against Iran without a vote from Congress, leading to the deaths of seven American service members and the deployment of 50,000 troops. Lawmakers have introduced resolutions like S.J.Res. 115 to cut off funding and force a troop withdrawal unless war is officially declared. Senate Democrats are now threatening to block all other government business until the administration explains its goals in public hearings.

Legislative Progress

Senate
House
President
Law

Key Points

  • Sen. Duckworth and several other senators introduced a plan to stop U.S. military action against Iran. This comes after Trump started "Operation Epic Fury" in February 2026 without a formal declaration of war or specific permission from Congress.
  • The resolution would require the military to leave the conflict unless Congress specifically votes to allow it. The bill points out that seven American service members have already died in the operation and the administration has said more lives will likely be lost.
  • The plan still allows the U.S. to defend itself if attacked and to help evacuate American citizens from the area. It also lets the military share intelligence with allies like Israel and help partner countries defend their own borders from Iranian attacks.
  • This move is based on the Constitution, which gives Congress the sole power to declare war. The senators argue that the current military campaign has no clear end date and was started without the proper legal consultation required by the War Powers Resolution.
National Security Foreign Policy

Impact Analysis

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

The Debate

Supporting

0

Critics argue the military campaign is an illegal, unconstitutional "endless war" that lacks Congressional approval and puts American lives at risk.

Opposing

0

Supporters claim the strikes were a necessary and decisive defensive action to stop imminent threats against American citizens and assets.

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Mar 10, 2026Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mar 10, 2026

Introduced in Senate

1012 Articles

The New York TimesCenter Left

Democrats Demand Hegseth and Rubio Testify on Iran War

Al Jazeera OnlineCenter Left

Trump's Iran war: Why Democrats say classified briefings have them worried

NPRCenter Left

Senate Democrats ramp up pressure campaign for public hearings on war with Iran

Washington PostCenter Left

In Trump's Washington, Congress matters less than ever

Bloomberg BusinessCenter Left

Democrats Vow to Stall Senate Until Trump Team Explains Iran War

Related Legislation

This group of resolutions, including S.J.Res. 115 and S.J.Res. 123, serves as a legislative tool to force the Senate to vote on the war every single day. While some bills focus on pulling 50,000 troops out of the conflict, others are being used as leverage to stop all Senate proceedings until the Secretary of War testifies about the operation's costs and goals.

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 123
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionRead twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(5)
D: 5

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.