H.Con.Res. 83House116th Congress (2019-2021)Passed House

Directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran.

Introduced January 8, 2020

AI-Generated Summary

Updated April 14, 2026 at 10:18 AM UTC

This concurrent resolution tells the President to stop any U.S. military action against Iran unless Congress has formally declared war or given a specific authorization, or unless the action is needed to defend against an imminent attack on the United States. It is aimed at ending the use of U.S. armed forces in hostilities involving Iran and applies to the President, the Department of Defense, and any U.S. troops currently deployed for that purpose.

Key Provisions

  • Congress declares that it has not authorized the use of force against Iran and therefore directs the President, under the War Powers Resolution, to end any such hostilities.
  • The President may continue military action only if Congress has declared war, passed a specific statutory authorization, or if the force is necessary to defend against an imminent armed attack on the United States, its territories, or its forces.
  • The resolution clarifies that it does not restrict the President from acting against al Qaeda, from complying with other War Powers requirements, from future authorizations passed after this resolution, or from defending U.S. allies if Congress authorizes it.

Legislative Activity

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11 earlier actions
SenateIntro Referral Latest Action

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

January 13, 2020

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

January 8, 2020

HouseFloor

Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 781 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H. Con. Res. 83 with 2 hours of general debate.

January 8, 2020 • 8:41 PM

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

January 8, 2020

HouseFloor

Rule H. Res. 781 passed House.

January 9, 2020 • 2:24 PM

HouseFloor

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 781. (consideration: CR H92-116)

January 9, 2020 • 2:32 PM

HouseFloor

Rule provides for consideration of H. Con. Res. 83 with 2 hours of general debate.

January 9, 2020 • 2:32 PM

HouseFloor

DEBATE - The House proceeded with two hours of debate on H. Con. Res. 83.

January 9, 2020 • 2:33 PM

HouseFloor

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

January 9, 2020 • 5:35 PM

HouseFloor

Passed/agreed to in House: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 224 - 194 (Roll no. 7).(text: CR H92)

January 9, 2020 • 6:03 PM

HouseFloor

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 224 - 194 (Roll no. 7). (text: CR H92)

January 9, 2020 • 6:03 PM

HouseFloor

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

January 9, 2020 • 6:03 PM

SenateIntro Referral

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

January 13, 2020

Amendments

1 amendment

Offered to this bill

Bill Text

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Referred in SenateIssued January 13, 2020

III

116th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. CON. RES. 83

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

January 13, 2020

Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran.

1.

Termination of use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran

(a)

Findings

Congress makes the following findings:


(1)

The Government of Iran is a leading state sponsor of terrorism and engages in a range of destabilizing activities across the Middle East. Iranian General Qassem Soleimani was the lead architect of much of Iran’s destabilizing activities throughout the world.

(2)

The United States has an inherent right to self-defense against imminent armed attacks. The United States maintains the right to ensure the safety of diplomatic personnel serving abroad.

(3)

In matters of imminent armed attacks, the executive branch should indicate to Congress why military action was necessary within a certain window of opportunity, the possible harm that missing the window would cause, and why the action was likely to prevent future disastrous attacks against the United States.

(4)

The United States has national interests in preserving its partnership with Iraq and other countries in the region, including by—

(A)

combating terrorists, including the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS);

(B)

preventing Iran from achieving a nuclear weapons capability; and

(C)

supporting the people of Iraq, Iran, and other countries throughout the Middle East who demand an end to government corruption and violations of basic human rights.

(5)

Over the past eight months, in response to rising tensions with Iran, the United States has introduced over 15,000 additional forces into the Middle East.

(6)

When the United States uses military force, the American people and members of the United States Armed Forces deserve a credible explanation regarding such use of military force.

(7)

The War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1541 et seq.) requires the President to consult with Congress in every possible instance before introducing United States Armed Forces into hostilities.

(8)

Congress has not authorized the President to use military force against Iran.

(b)

Termination

Pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1544(c)), Congress hereby directs the President to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran or any part of its government or military, unless—

(1)

Congress has declared war or enacted specific statutory authorization for such use of the Armed Forces; or

(2)

such use of the Armed Forces is necessary and appropriate to defend against an imminent armed attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or its Armed Forces, consistent with the requirements of the War Powers Resolution.

(c)

Rule of construction

Nothing in this section may be construed—

(1)

to prevent the President from using military force against al Qaeda or associated forces;

(2)

to limit the obligations of the executive branch set forth in the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1541 et seq.);

(3)

to affect the provisions of an Act or joint resolution of Congress specifically authorizing the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities against Iran or any part of its government or military that is enacted after the date of the adoption of this concurrent resolution;

(4)

to prevent the use of necessary and appropriate military force to defend United States allies and partners if authorized by Congress consistent with the requirements of the War Powers Resolution; or

(5)

to authorize the use of military force.

Passed the House of Representatives January 9, 2020.

Cheryl L. Johnson,

Clerk