US Federal Senate Bill SJR6

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/25
• Refer: 1/23/25

Caption

A joint resolution directing the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in Syria that have not been authorized by Congress.

Summary

SJR6 is a joint resolution that would direct the President to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities in or affecting Syria within 30 days of adoption, unless Congress later authorizes continued operations or a declaration of war is enacted. The resolution is framed as a War Powers measure and states that existing authorizations for the use of military force from 2001 and 2002 do not specifically authorize military action in Syria. It also includes a rule of construction making clear that the resolution itself does not authorize the use of force. The resolution’s findings describe the history of U.S. military operations in Syria since 2014, including operations against ISIS, strikes on Syrian government targets, actions against Iranian-backed militias, and incidents involving Turkish, Russian, and other forces. It emphasizes the number of U.S. troops deployed, the risks they face, and the deaths and injuries sustained during the mission, arguing that the situation has become a prolonged and unauthorized military engagement. The measure would therefore change no substantive state law, but it would affect federal war powers and the legal basis for U.S. military operations in Syria by requiring withdrawal absent new congressional authorization.

Impact

If adopted, the resolution would require the executive branch to end U.S. military involvement in Syria that lacks specific congressional authorization, using procedures tied to the War Powers Resolution and related statutes. It would not amend state law; instead, it would operate at the federal level by constraining presidential authority and directing troop removal from hostilities in Syria. The practical effect would be on U.S. armed forces, the Department of Defense, and ongoing counter-ISIS and anti-militia operations in Syria.

Sentiment

The bill appears strongly supportive of ending unauthorized military involvement in Syria and reflects a skeptical view of the current mission’s legal basis and duration. The text itself is assertive and critical of the continuation of operations after the original post-9/11 and Iraq AUMFs, and it highlights casualties and escalating risks to justify withdrawal. No committee transcript or vote history is available, so there is no recorded legislative debate or roll-call sentiment beyond the bill’s own framing.

Contention

The main point of contention is whether U.S. operations in Syria are covered by existing authorizations for use of military force or require new congressional approval. Supporters of the resolution argue that the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs do not authorize action in Syria and that the War Powers Resolution requires removal absent specific authorization. Opponents would likely argue that continued operations are necessary for counterterrorism, force protection, and regional stability, especially given attacks on U.S. personnel and the presence of ISIS and Iranian-backed militias. Another likely dispute is whether the resolution would unduly limit the President’s ability to respond to rapidly changing threats on the ground.