119-HCONRES-38 Journalist Public Summary

Public Summary: H. Con. Res. 38 (119th Congress)

Plain‑language overview prepared on March 4, 2026.

Headline Summary: Tell the President to stop any U.S. military fighting with Iran unless Congress votes to allow it.

What It Does: The resolution uses the War Powers process to direct the President to remove U.S. forces from “hostilities” against Iran or its government/military unless Congress passes a declaration of war or a specific authorization to use military force. It makes three limits clear: it does not authorize any new use of force; it allows the United States to act in self‑defense against an imminent attack; and it does not interfere with collecting, analyzing, or sharing intelligence with partners.

Why It Matters: It aims to put Congress—not the White House—back in the driver’s seat on decisions that could lead to war with Iran. For the public and U.S. service members, it seeks to reduce the risk of being drawn into a wider conflict without a vote in Congress. For U.S. policy, it could constrain future military strikes or support activities against Iran unless lawmakers give explicit approval.

• Who’s For It: A bipartisan group of sponsors led by Rep. Thomas Massie (R‑KY), joined by Reps. Ro Khanna (D‑CA), Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez (D‑NY), Pramila Jayapal (D‑WA), Rashida Tlaib (D‑MI), Nydia Velázquez (D‑NY), Jim McGovern (D‑MA), and others. They argue Congress must authorize any war with Iran and that this resolution prevents unauthorized escalation while keeping self‑defense and intelligence work intact.
• Outside backers typically include civil‑liberties and war‑powers reform advocates who want clearer congressional control over military action.

• Who’s Against It: Lawmakers who favor broader presidential flexibility to respond quickly to Iranian threats or deter attacks may oppose it, warning it could limit rapid military options or send the wrong signal to Tehran.
• Some national‑security hawks contend existing constitutional authority already allows the President to act defensively and worry the resolution could complicate ongoing regional security efforts.

What’s Next: Introduced on June 17, 2025, the measure was cleared on March 3, 2026, for potential House floor debate—two hours, equally divided—whenever the Foreign Affairs Committee chair calls it up. If adopted by the House, it would go to the Senate as a concurrent resolution. It does not itself authorize any use of force.