Tom Barrett (R-MI)
2026 Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iran
A Republican resolution with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This joint resolution, titled the "2026 Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iran," authorizes the President to use the United States Armed Forces against the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The President may use force to target the Iranian nuclear weapons program, address imminent threats, enforce port blockades, and ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. However, the resolution prohibits the use of troops for sustained ground combat, occupying territory, or nation-building within Iran. The President must submit a report to Congress every 30 days regarding military actions and casualties. This authorization is set to expire on July 30, 2026, with a 30-day wind-down period.
Yes
- Scored +4
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
The bill includes provisions to ensure safe passage for allied vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
The authorization for military operations increases the risk of injury or death to service members.
- Scored -2
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?
The authorization for military action increases the potential for military casualties and subsequent service needs.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protection from Nuclear Threats: The bill allows for the destruction or degradation of Iran's nuclear weapons program and delivery systems (Section 2(a)(1)), which is intended to address threats posed by the pursuit of a nuclear weapon.
-
Defense Against Imminent Threats: The President can use force to address imminent threats to the United States Armed Forces or United States facilities (Section 2(a)(2)).
-
Maritime Safety: The authorization allows for the enforcement of a blockade of Iranian ports and ensures safe passage for United States and allied vessels in the Strait of Hormuz (Section 2(a)(3) and 2(a)(4)).
-
Rescue Capabilities: The authority includes provisions for the rescue of United States citizens or members of the Armed Forces (Section 2(c)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Potential for Casualties: The requirement for the President to report an assessment of civilian and military casualties suggests that such casualties may occur during these operations (Section 3(a)(6)).
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Military Engagement: The authorization permits military actions to demolish, degrade, or defeat the Iranian nuclear weapons program and associated delivery systems (Section 2(a)(1)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The authorization for military operations increases the risk of injury or death to service members.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill includes provisions to ensure safe passage for allied vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The authorization for military action increases the potential for military casualties and subsequent service needs.
- 5/11/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/7/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Introduced in House
Don BaconRepublican · Nebraska