US Federal House Bill HCR102

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Committee Review: 5/15/26

Caption

Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.

Summary

HCR 102 is a concurrent resolution invoking the War Powers Resolution to direct the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran unless Congress has first enacted a declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force against Iran. The resolution is aimed at ending U.S. participation in combat operations against Iran and would also cover potential ground forces used in a combat or occupation role. The measure includes several explicit carveouts. It states that it should not be read to prevent the United States from defending itself, U.S. forces, diplomatic facilities, or allied states from imminent attack, and it does not require removing U.S. troops from the region if they are not engaged in hostilities against Iran. It also preserves intelligence, counterintelligence, and investigative activities related to threats from Iran or nearby countries, including intelligence sharing with coalition partners when the President deems it appropriate. Finally, it clarifies that the resolution does not itself authorize military force.

Impact

If adopted, the resolution would not change substantive criminal or regulatory state law, but it would express Congress’s position under federal war powers and seek to limit the President’s ability to continue military hostilities against Iran without further congressional authorization. Its practical effect would be on federal military policy, potentially constraining U.S. combat operations, while preserving defensive deployments and intelligence activities. The resolution is a concurrent resolution, so it is a legislative directive rather than a standalone statutory amendment.

Sentiment

The available record shows the bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, with no recorded committee debate or votes provided. Based on the text, the resolution reflects a cautious, anti-escalation posture: it seeks to end hostilities with Iran while explicitly preserving self-defense, regional troop presence, and intelligence cooperation. The overall tone is restrained and security-conscious rather than broadly anti-military.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely the balance between congressional control over war powers and presidential flexibility in responding to Iran-related threats. Supporters would emphasize that Congress must authorize hostilities and that the resolution is narrowly tailored to stop unauthorized combat. Opponents may argue that the measure could limit executive branch responsiveness or create uncertainty in ongoing regional operations, even though the text preserves defensive actions and intelligence sharing. The inclusion of exceptions for imminent attack and non-hostile troop presence appears designed to address some of those concerns.