S.J.Res. 163 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the Senate, Apr 13, 2026
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryRequire congressional approval for Iran military action
This joint resolution tells the President to pull U.S. Armed Forces out of any hostilities with Iran unless Congress has formally declared war or authorized military force. There's an exception: the U.S. can still defend itself if attacked.
How it affects you
This doesn't directly change anything in most people's daily lives, but it affects military personnel and their families by requiring Congress to weigh in on decisions to engage in hostilities with Iran. It also shapes what the President can do militarily without getting approval from lawmakers first.
Read the official summary (Introduced in Senate, Apr 13, 2026)
This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless a declaration of war or authorization to use military force for such purpose has been enacted.
The resolution specifies that it shall not be construed to prevent the United States from defending against an attack on the United States or its personnel or facilities in other nations.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
2nd SessionS.J.Res. 163
JOINT RESOLUTION
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.
Sponsor: Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) · Introduced Apr 13, 2026 · International Affairs · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action May 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)”
How Congress voted
Official roll callsSenate · On the Motion to Discharge · May 13, 2026
Motion to Discharge Rejected 49–50
| Party | Yes | No | Didn’t vote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Democrats | 44 | 1 | 0 |
| Independents | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Republicans | 3 | 49 | 1 |
4 members voted against most of their party: 1 Democrats voted No and 3 Republicans voted Yes.
Source: senate.gov · roll call 118
Congress votes on whole bills and amendments, not on single sections.