119-HCONRES-95 Journalist Public Summary
119 · HCONRES 95 Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.
A new House concurrent resolution would direct the President to pull U.S. forces out of hostilities with Iran unless Congress explicitly authorizes it, while preserving narrow self‑defense and intelligence exceptions; it was introduced on April 30, 2026 by Rep. Becca Balint, amid recent failed votes on similar Iran War Powers measures, drawing support from progressive Democrats and opposition from the White House and House GOP leaders. (balint.house.gov)
Headline Summary
A measure to end U.S. military involvement in hostilities with Iran unless Congress authorizes it, introduced April 30, 2026 by Rep. Becca Balint. (balint.house.gov)
What It Does
H. Con. Res. 95 invokes the War Powers Resolution to direct the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran unless Congress passes a declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force. The text preserves key carve‑outs: U.S. forces may still act in self‑defense, maintain defensive regional deployments, and conduct or share intelligence; it also clarifies the measure does not itself authorize force. Provisions mirror earlier Iran War Powers measures considered this Congress. (balint.house.gov)
Why it matters: The War Powers Resolution is meant to check unilateral warmaking; in practice, Congress often debates whether and how to compel withdrawals. Notably, after the Supreme Court’s 1983 INS v. Chadha decision, the effect of directing withdrawals by concurrent resolution (section 5(c)) is contested, and Congress has also relied on expedited procedures for joint resolutions to achieve similar ends. (congress.gov)
Who’s For It
- Sponsor: Rep. Becca Balint (D‑VT) says the goal is to “end [an] illegal war of choice” and force Congress to decide on any continued hostilities. (balint.house.gov)
- Progressive Democrats (e.g., Reps. Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Jared Huffman) tout restoring Congress’s constitutional role and avoiding open‑ended conflict. (balint.house.gov)
- Several House Democrats previously backed similar Iran War Powers measures this spring (e.g., Reps. Ted Lieu and Jahana Hayes), arguing only Congress can authorize war. (lieu.house.gov)
- Some libertarian‑leaning Republicans supported earlier, similar efforts (e.g., H.Con.Res. 38), citing limits on executive power. (congress.gov)
Who’s Against It
- The White House opposed a closely related House Iran War Powers resolution in March, arguing it would undermine U.S. and allied defense amid active threats—signaling likely administration resistance to similar measures. (whitehouse.gov)
- House GOP leaders have criticized Iran War Powers measures as weakening deterrence; Speaker Mike Johnson said passing one would “empower our enemies.” (axios.com)
What’s Next
As of May 1, 2026, the resolution has just been introduced; next steps typically include committee consideration and potential House floor action. Recent floor votes on similar Iran War Powers measures failed, which may shape prospects. Also note: because section 5(c) (concurrent resolutions) faces post‑Chadha constitutional questions, some advocates pursue parallel joint‑resolution routes with expedited procedures. (balint.house.gov)
Discussion