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S.J.Res. 215Senate119th Congress (2025-2027)In Committee

A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Sultanate of Oman that have not been authorized by Congress.

Sponsored by Tim KaineSen. Tim Kaine (D-VA)
Introduced September 16, 2026

AI-Generated Summary

Updated September 18, 2026 at 5:42 AM UTC

This joint resolution orders the President to pull U.S. armed forces out of any fighting in or against Oman unless Congress has formally declared war or passed a specific authorization for the use of force. It emphasizes that only Congress can approve such military action and notes that Oman is a key U.S. partner. The resolution also clarifies that the directive does not stop the United States from defending itself against an actual or imminent attack.

Key Provisions

  • Congress states it alone has the constitutional power to declare war and has not done so regarding Oman.
  • The resolution defines any U.S. military threat or action against Oman as entering hostilities that require congressional approval.
  • It directs the President to withdraw U.S. forces from any unauthorized hostilities in Oman, using the expedited procedures set out in existing statutes.
  • The directive includes a rule of construction allowing the United States to act in self‑defense against an armed attack or imminent threat.

Legislative Activity

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1 earlier action
SenateIntro Referral Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Foreign Relations Committee

September 16, 2026

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SenateIntro Referral

Introduced in Senate

September 16, 2026

SenateIntro Referral

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Foreign Relations Committee

September 16, 2026

Bill Text

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Introduced in SenateIssued September 16, 2026

IIA

119th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. J. RES. 215

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

September 16, 2026

Mr. Kaine (for himself and Mr. Schiff) 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 Sultanate of Oman that have not been authorized by Congress.

1.

Findings

Congress makes the following findings:

(1)

Congress has the sole power to declare war under article I, section 8, clause 11 of the United States Constitution.

(2)

The Sultanate of Oman is an important United States partner and has played a key role in regional diplomacy and mediation, including to secure the release of United States hostages.

(3)

Congress has not declared war upon the Sultanate of Oman or upon any person or organization within Oman, nor enacted a specific statutory authorization for use of military force against Oman.

(4)

Threatening the use of force by the United States Armed Forces within or against the Sultanate of Oman constitutes the imminent introduction of the United States Armed Forces into hostilities within the meaning of section 4(a) of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1543(a)).

(5)

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 to require the removal of United States Armed Forces engaged in hostilities without a declaration of war or specific statutory authorization shall be considered in accordance with the expedited procedures of section 601(b) of the International Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Act of 1976 (Public Law 94–329).

2.

Removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Sultanate of Oman

(a)

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 the provisions of 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 the Sultanate of Oman, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force against Oman.

(b)

Rule of construction

Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the United States from defending itself from an armed attack or the threat of an imminent armed attack.