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S.J.Res. 163 · International Affairs
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.
Introduced Apr 13, 2026 · Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations rejected by Yea-Nay Vote. 49 - 50. Record Vote Number: 118. (consideration: CR S2250-2255)
What does this mean?

This resolution tells the President to pull U.S. military forces out of any combat involving Iran, unless Congress has specifically voted to declare war or authorize that military action. In other words, it's Congress asserting that only they, not the President alone, can commit troops to a fight with Iran. There's an exception built in: U.S. forces could still act in self-defense if the U.S. or American troops/facilities somewhere else in the world came under attack. So the practical effect is limiting the President's ability to start or continue military operations against Iran without Congress signing off first.

Read the official CRS summary on Congress.gov →
Bill Lifecycle
Real action history from Congress.gov — where this bill is in the process, and every recorded step along the way.
Introduced in Senate
Apr 13, 2026
Referred to Committee
Apr 13, 2026
Full action history (4)
Apr 13, 2026Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Apr 13, 2026Introduced in Senate
May 13, 2026Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations rejected by Yea-Nay Vote. 49 - 50. Record Vote Number: 118. (consideration: CR S2250-2255)
May 13, 2026Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations made. (Pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act of 1976).
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