CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

Jeff Merkley (D-OR)

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.

S.J.Res. 163 · Senate resolution International Affairs

A Democratic resolution with 11 Democratic cosponsors · See all 11 cosponsors

Last activity — Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations rejected by Yea-Nay Vote. 49 - 50. Record Vote Number: 118. (consideration: CR S2250-2255)

Introduced, nothing more yet

Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.

Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.

Its path through Congress

  1. Introduced

How Congress voted

  • The SenateMotion to Discharge Rejected 49–50
    A vote to take a measure away from a committee that has not acted on it · 05/13/2026
    See who voted how →

What this bill would do

This joint resolution directs the President to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran. It notes that Congress has not declared war or provided specific statutory authorization for such military force. The resolution asserts that Congress holds the sole power to declare war under the Constitution. It specifies that current military actions constitute the introduction of forces into hostilities under the War Powers Resolution. The directive applies unless there is a declaration of war or specific authorization for the use of military force.

Yes

  • Scored +3

    Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?

    The removal of forces from hostilities may reduce immediate international tensions with Iran.

  • Scored +2

    Does this reduce what is spent on the military?

    The resolution directs the removal of armed forces from active hostilities in Iran.

  • Scored +2

    Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?

    The bill directs the reduction of military involvement in unauthorized hostilities, potentially reducing risks to servicemembers.

The opposite

  • Scored -2

    Does this give the federal government more power?

    The resolution seeks to limit presidential unilateral military action by reasserting Congressional authority over war declarations.

What Congress actually voted on

One recorded vote has been taken on this bill.

None of them settled the bill — every vote so far has been about whether to keep going.

  • The Senate: a vote to take a measure away from a committee that has not acted on it A committee can hold a measure indefinitely. This asks the whole chamber to take it away from the committee and bring it to the floor. If it fails, the measure stays where it was. Motion to Discharge Rejected 49 yes · 50 no

    See who voted how →

    05/13/2026 · Roll call 118 · recorded as “On the Motion to Discharge S.J.Res. 163”