Us Congress House Bill HCR38

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/17/25
• Refer: 6/17/25

Caption

Directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Impact

HCR38 seeks to reinforce the principle that any military engagement by the U.S. must be sanctioned by Congress, thereby ensuring a check on executive power regarding military actions. If passed, it could change the existing protocols surrounding U.S. military engagement by mandating formal legislative approval for actions deemed hostile against Iran. This aligns with the War Powers Resolution, which stipulates that military forces must be withdrawn if Congress does not approve of their use beyond a certain timeframe.

Summary

HCR38 is a concurrent resolution aimed at directing the President of the United States to remove armed forces from unauthorized hostilities in Iran. The resolution is grounded in Article 1, Section 8, Clause 11 of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the exclusive power to declare war. The bill asserts that Congress has not authorized military action against Iran, thus requiring the executive branch to terminate the use of military force unless a formal declaration of war is made or specific Congressional authorization is provided.

Contention

The resolution has stirred debate regarding the role of Congress in overseeing military involvement, especially in contexts where rapid responses may be necessary. Supporters argue that it promotes accountability and prevents unwarranted military escalation, while critics may view it as an infringement on the President's ability to act swiftly to protect U.S. interests abroad. This contention reflects broader discussions about the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches in matters of national security.