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Senate bill seeks Iran war powers limits

Floor activityS.J.Res. 185Latest action

Sponsor: Tim Kaine · Senator · VA

AIDecoded by AI · checked against the record
Read the official text

Official title: 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.

119th Congress

Topics: Security & foreign affairs

Introduced:

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

In plain words

The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.

Congress is voting on whether to order the president to pull U.S. troops out of any fighting with Iran without congressional approval.

45-second read · 4 questions answered below

What does this do?

This resolution would require the president to withdraw U.S. military forces from any hostilities involving Iran unless Congress has formally declared war or passed a law allowing it. Neither of those steps has happened. The U.S. could still defend American personnel if attacked, share intelligence with countries attacked by Iran since late February 2026, and help those countries intercept Iranian attacks or receive defensive military equipment.

Who does it affect?

This resolution affects the president and U.S. service members currently involved in any hostilities with or inside Iran. It also touches countries that have been attacked by Iran since late February 2026.

Why does it matter?

If passed, this resolution would limit the president's ability to use military force against Iran without a vote from Congress. It is based on the constitutional idea that only Congress holds the power to authorize war.

AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

Make the call

The last attempt failed: the Senate voted against taking it up, 47–50, on June 24, 2026.

Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.

Where do you stand?

Where does it stand?

  1. IntroducedApr 27, 2026
  2. Senate committee
  3. Senate voteYou are here · Jun 24, 2026
  4. House
  5. The president's desk

Right now: the Senate has not agreed to take it up. The last motion to do so failed. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.

Latest action: — Motion to proceed to consideration of measure rejected in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 47 - 50. Record Vote Number: 192. (CR S3194)

Data as of October 9, 2026

Recorded votes

Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.

  1. Senate · · Roll call 192

    As recorded

    Question
    On the S.J.Res. 185
    Result:
    Motion to Proceed Rejected
    47
    Nay
    50
    1
    2

    Republicans 2 yes, 49 no, 1 present, 1 not voting · Democrats 43 yes, 1 no, 1 not voting · Independents 2 yes

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

  2. Senate · · Roll call 129

    As recorded

    Question
    On the Motion to Discharge S.J.Res. 185
    Result:
    Motion to Discharge Agreed to
    50
    Nay
    47
    0
    3

    Republicans 4 yes, 46 no, 3 not voting · Democrats 44 yes, 1 no · Independents 2 yes

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

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