S.J.Res. 98 — A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.

This section states congressional findings that (1) Congress holds the sole power to declare war under Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the Constitution; (2) Congress has neither declared war on Venezuela nor enacted a specific statutory authorization for use of military force there; (3) U.S. military force in or against Venezuela 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 (4) any joint resolution or bill requiring removal of such forces qualifies for expedited consideration 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 to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces for hostilities within or against Venezuela pursuant to 50 U.S.C. 1546a (i.e., a provision establishing expedited congressional procedures to require removal of U.S. forces from unauthorized hostilities), unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force. Subsection (b) specifies that this section does not prevent U.S. self-defense against an armed attack or imminent threat thereof.