119-SJRES-116 Journalist Public Summary

Public Summary of S.J.Res. 116 (119th Congress)

Headline Summary: A Senate resolution would order the President to pull U.S. forces out of hostilities in or against Iran unless Congress formally authorizes the war. (legiscan.com)

What It Does: S.J.Res. 116 directs the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities with or against Iran unless Congress passes a declaration of war or a specific authorization for the use of military force. Functionally, it tries to reassert Congress’s Article I war powers and line up with the War Powers Resolution’s default rule that ongoing, unauthorized hostilities must end after 60 days (with limited extensions) unless Congress says otherwise. It also invokes expedited procedures Congress created for such measures. (legiscan.com)

Why It Matters: The resolution arrives days after the administration launched "Operation Epic Fury" and began large-scale strikes against Iran on February 28, 2026—framing it as a major, ongoing campaign. Backers say Congress should decide whether that war continues; skeptics warn limiting the President now could undermine operations. The House’s narrow March 5 vote rejecting a related War Powers measure underscores how closely divided Congress is on this question. (time.com)

Who’s For It:

• Sponsors: Sens. Chris Murphy (D‑CT), Cory Booker (D‑NJ), Adam Schiff (D‑CA), and Tim Kaine (D‑VA). (legiscan.com)
• Supporters’ case: Congress—not the President—must authorize war; forcing a vote ensures clear objectives and limits. (Statements from Murphy and Kaine urging debate and authorization.) (murphy.senate.gov)
• Related House backers of a similar measure include Democrats who argued for reasserting congressional authority (e.g., Reps. Judy Chu and Terri Sewell). (chu.house.gov)

Who’s Against It:

• House Speaker Mike Johnson (R‑LA) argued such limits would "empower our enemies," reflecting broader GOP leadership resistance. (axios.com)
• Some Republicans say the resolutions misread the War Powers law and send the wrong signal during active operations (e.g., Rep. Pat Harrigan’s statement opposing the House measure). (harrigan.house.gov)

What’s Next: As of March 5, 2026, S.J.Res. 116 has been read twice and sent to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. For it to take effect, it would need to clear committee, pass both chambers, and survive any presidential veto. War Powers statutes provide expedited procedures for certain related measures, but chamber rules and vote counts will determine whether and how quickly it advances. (legiscan.com)