IIA
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. J. RES. 116
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 5, 2026
Mr. Murphy (for himself, Mr. Booker, Mr. Schiff, and Mr. Kaine) introduced the following joint resolution; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
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.
Findings
Congress makes the following findings:
Congress has the sole power to declare war under article I, section 8, clause 11 of the United States Constitution.
The President has a constitutional responsibility to take actions to defend the United States, its territories, its possessions, citizens, service members, and diplomats from attack.
Congress has not declared war upon Iran or any person or organization within Iran, nor enacted a specific statutory authorization for the use of military force within or against Iran.
On February 28, 2026, the Trump administration launched Operation Epic Fury, introducing the United States military into hostilities as part of an ongoing and wide-reaching military campaign against the Government of Iran.
The Trump administration has repeatedly referred to this operation as a war
, including President Trump’s statement on February 28, 2026, that the United States has entered into a war with Iran that we did not want but that we are going to win very quickly,
and Secretary of Defense Hegseth’s statement on March 4, 2026, that the terms of this war will be set by us at every step
.
According to a statement by United States Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper on March 3, 2026, more than 50,000 members of the United States Armed Forces have participated in the unprecedented operation.
Six members of the United States Armed Forces have been killed as part of Operation Epic Fury, and President Trump has suggested there will likely be additional American lives lost, stating on March 2, 2026, We pray for the full recovery of the wounded and send our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen. And, sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That’s the way it is. Likely be more.
.
The Trump administration has offered inconsistent timelines for United States military operations against Iran, including President Trump’s statement on March 1, 2026, that we intended four to five weeks,
President Trump’s statement on March 2, 2026, that whatever the time is, it’s okay, whatever it takes,
Secretary Hegseth’s statement that the duration could be four weeks, two weeks, six weeks,
and President Trump’s message to Congress that it is not possible at this time to know the full scope and duration of military operations that may be necessary
.
United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has requested additional officers to support operations for at least 100 days and likely through September.
The use of military force within or against Iran constitutes the introduction of United States Armed Forces into hostilities within the meaning of section 4(a) of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1543(a)).
Section 1013 of the Department of State Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1984 and 1985 (50 U.S.C. 1546a) provides that any joint resolution or bill requiring the removal of United States Armed Forces from imminent engagement in hostilities without a declaration of war or specific statutory authorization shall be considered in accordance with the expedited procedures under section 601(b) of the International Security and Arms Export Control Act of 1976 (Public Law 94–329).
Removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran
Removal
Pursuant to section 1013 of the Department of State Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1984 and 1985 (50 U.S.C. 1546a), and in accordance with section 601(b) of the International Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Act of 1976 (Public Law 94–329), 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.
Rule of construction
Nothing in this section may be construed to prevent the United States from—
defending against an attack on the United States or its personnel or facilities in other nations;
collecting, analyzing, or sharing intelligence, including with partner countries who have been attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026, and other nations and international organizations as appropriate, related to defense from threats from Iran or its proxies; or
assisting partner countries who have been attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026, and other nations—
in intercepting retaliatory attacks upon their territory by Iran or its proxies; or
by providing defensive materiel support for such defensive measures.