Congress reasserts its power to declare war, not the President
S.J.Res. 118 — A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress. · Filed by Cory Booker (D-NJ) · 5 cosponsors · Introduced Mar 5, 2026 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This joint resolution directs the President to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from military hostilities against Iran unless Congress explicitly authorizes the action through a formal declaration of war or specific military authorization. The bill responds to airstrikes ordered by President Trump in February 2026 without congressional approval, asserting Congress's constitutional power to decide when the nation goes to war. It carves out exceptions for defensive actions, intelligence sharing, and support for Israel and allied nations.
Why we flagged it
The bill's functional purpose is to enforce Congress's constitutional authority over military force by directing withdrawal from unauthorized hostilities. It is a direct constitutional check on executive war-making power, not a substantive military or foreign policy measure.
What the text implies
- The bill's passage would signal congressional intent to constrain future unilateral military action, potentially affecting the President's ability to respond rapidly to perceived threats without legislative delay.
- The carve-outs for 'defensive' actions and support to Israel create interpretive ambiguity: the President could argue that ongoing strikes are defensive in nature, potentially limiting the bill's practical effect.
The full analysis lists 3 implications of this text.
Who it affects
This bill reasserts a core democratic principle: Congress—not the President alone—decides whether America goes to war. Ordinary citizens benefit from this constitutional check on executive power, which reduces the risk of unauthorized military escalation and preserves the democratic process for decisions that cost lives and treasure.