S.J.Res. 116 — 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.

This section makes the following findings: (1) Congress has the sole power to declare war under Article I, section 8, clause 11 of the Constitution; (2) the President has a constitutional responsibility to defend the United States and its citizens, service members, and diplomats from attack; (3) Congress has not declared war on Iran or enacted specific statutory authorization for use of military force there; (4) the Trump administration launched Operation Epic Fury on February 28, 2026, introducing U.S. Armed Forces into hostilities against Iran; (5) administration officials have described the operation as a war; (6) more than 50,000 U.S. Armed Forces members have participated; (7) six U.S. service members have been killed, with more likely; (8) the administration has provided inconsistent timelines for the operation; (9) U.S. Central Command has requested additional officers for at least 100 days through September 2026; (10) such use of force constitutes introduction of U.S. Armed Forces into hostilities under section 4(a) of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1543(a)); and (11) certain resolutions requiring removal of U.S. Armed Forces qualify for expedited procedures under section 1013 of the Department of State Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1984 and 1985 (50 U.S.C. 1546a).

This section directs the President, pursuant to the expedited procedures of 50 U.S.C. 1546a (i.e., fast-track consideration of resolutions requiring removal of U.S. Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities), to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force. The section includes a rule of construction clarifying that it does not prohibit the United States from (1) defending against attacks on the United States, its personnel, or facilities in other nations; (2) collecting, analyzing, or sharing intelligence related to threats from Iran or its proxies, including with partner countries attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026; or (3) assisting such partner countries by intercepting retaliatory attacks on their territory or providing defensive materiel support.