This joint resolution would add a new amendment to the Constitution. It says that an Act of Congress that allows the United States to use military force outside the country — and that is not a formal declaration of war — would automatically stop being in effect on the earlier of: five years after the Act was passed, or the date the Act itself sets for ending the authorization. The amendment would take effect only if three-fourths of state legislatures ratify it within seven years of its submission. The resolution was introduced on April 22, 2026, by Representatives Tom Barrett and Jared Golden and was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
If this amendment were ratified, congressional authorizations to use military force outside the country would expire automatically after five years unless Congress has declared war. That would generally require Congress to pass a new authorization or take other action if it wants military authority to continue beyond five years.
No publicly available information on costs or budgetary effects is included in the text or metadata of the resolution.
The resolution is sponsored by Representatives Tom Barrett and Jared Golden. The resolution text does not include statements of reasons or arguments from supporters. No publicly available information on proponents' stated views is in the bill text or metadata.
The resolution text does not include statements from opponents. No publicly available information on opponents' stated views is in the bill text or metadata.