S.J.Res. 171 · 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 summaryRequires congressional approval for military action in Iran
This resolution would require the President to pull U.S. Armed Forces out of any fighting with or inside Iran unless Congress has formally declared war or authorized the military action first. The resolution does include an exception: the U.S. could still defend itself if Iran attacked Americans or American facilities.
How it affects you
If you're concerned about how the country goes to war, this would affect the balance of power between the President and Congress. Military service members could see their assignments change depending on whether their current Iran-related operations count as "hostilities" under this rule. Most other Americans would feel the broader effects of any shift in U.S. military involvement in the region.
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. 171
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. Andy Kim (D-NJ) · Introduced Apr 13, 2026 · International Affairs · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Apr 13, 2026: “Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.”