US Federal House Bill HCR104

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Committee Review: 5/20/26

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

HCR104 is a concurrent resolution directing the President, under section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran unless Congress has specifically authorized such force through a declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force. The resolution is aimed at ending U.S. participation in hostilities against Iran and its government or military, including any potential ground combat or occupation role. The measure includes several limiting provisions. 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 removal of U.S. troops in the region who are not engaged in hostilities against Iran. It also preserves intelligence, counterintelligence, and investigative activities related to threats from Iran or nearby countries, and expressly says the resolution does not itself authorize the use of military force.

Impact

If adopted, the resolution would not change state law; it would affect federal war powers policy by directing the President to end U.S. military hostilities with Iran absent explicit congressional authorization. It would reinforce the War Powers Resolution framework and signal congressional opposition to unauthorized military action, while preserving defensive deployments and intelligence-sharing activities.

Sentiment

Based on the text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes, the resolution appears to reflect a generally restrictive, anti-escalation posture toward military engagement with Iran. Its structure suggests an effort to balance opposition to hostilities with support for self-defense and ongoing regional security operations. No voting history or transcript material is provided to show formal support or opposition, so sentiment can only be inferred from the bill’s purpose and drafting.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely whether the President should be constrained from using force against Iran without additional congressional approval. Supporters would favor reasserting congressional war powers and preventing unauthorized escalation, while critics may argue the resolution could limit executive flexibility in responding to threats. The bill attempts to reduce controversy by carving out exceptions for imminent self-defense, troop presence for defensive purposes, and intelligence activities, indicating concern from both war powers advocates and national security hawks.