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 President has a constitutional responsibility to take actions to defend the United States, its territories, its possessions, citizens, service members, and diplomats from attack. (3) 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. (4) On February 28, 2026, the Trump Administration launched Operation Epic Fury, introducing the United States Armed Forces into hostilities against Iran. (5) The President notified Congress on March 2, 2026, pursuant to the War Powers Resolution of 1973, of the initiation of military force against Iran on February 28, 2026. The notification stated that it is not possible at this time to know the full scope and duration of military operations that may be necessary. (6) President Donald J. Trump has ordered additional United States military forces to the region to prepare for potential military operations consistent with the President’s statements about the possibility of using ground forces against Iran. (7) On April 7, 2026, President Trump threatened that a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again, which came after other statements during the war threatening to destroy Iranian civilian infrastructure like power plants. (8) As of April 8, 2026, 13 members of the United States Armed Forces have been killed and 380 have been wounded during the war with Iran, and President Trump has said there will likely be additional American lives lost. (9) 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)). (10) 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).