S.J.Res. 59 — A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.

This section states congressional findings that (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, its territories, possessions, citizens, service members, and diplomats from attack; (3) Congress has not declared war on or enacted a specific statutory authorization for use of military force against Iran; (4) U.S. Armed Forces actions in support of military actions against Iran constitute hostilities or a situation where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated under section 4(a) of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1543(a)); (5) whether U.S. forces should engage in hostilities against Iran requires a full briefing to Congress and the public, public debate, and a congressional vote; and (6) expedited procedures apply under section 1013 of the Department of State Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1984 and 1985 (50 U.S.C. 1546a) to joint resolutions or bills requiring removal of U.S. Armed Forces engaged in hostilities without a declaration of war or specific statutory authorization.

This section directs the President, pursuant to 50 U.S.C. 1546a (i.e., a statute providing expedited procedures for congressional consideration of resolutions requiring removal of U.S. Armed Forces engaged in hostilities outside U.S. territory without a declaration of war or specific statutory authorization), to terminate the use of such forces for hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran or any part of its government or military unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force against Iran. The section states that nothing in it prevents the United States from defending itself from imminent attack.