This joint resolution, introduced May 7, 2026 by Representatives Tom Barrett and Don Bacon and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, would give the President short-term authority to use United States Armed Forces against the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The authorization covers actions the President finds necessary to: (1) demolish, degrade, or defeat Iran’s nuclear weapons program and related delivery systems; (2) address imminent threats to U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. facilities from Iran or Iranian-backed forces; (3) enforce a blockade of Iranian ports; and (4) ensure safe passage for U.S. and allied vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and other waterways the President chooses.
The resolution says this authority does not allow sustained ground combat inside Iran, occupying or holding Iranian territory, or nation-building and long-term security governance in Iran. Limited exceptions allow rescues of U.S. citizens or service members and intelligence activities. The text states the resolution is intended to count as specific statutory authorization under the War Powers Resolution, and it does not override other War Powers requirements.
The President must report to Congress at least once every 30 days in unclassified form (with a possible classified annex). Reports must describe actions taken under the authorization and under other authorities, explain legal and policy justifications, give expected scope and duration of hostilities, and assess civilian and military casualties. The authority would automatically end on July 30, 2026, with up to 30 additional days allowed only to wind down deployments or engagements.
If enacted, the President could order military actions against Iran for the specific purposes listed above. The measure sets limits on use of ground troops and requires frequent written reports to Congress about actions and expected duration. It is a time-limited authorization that would end on July 30, 2026 unless used briefly to wind down operations. The bill text does not name specific units, locations beyond the Strait of Hormuz, the number of service members affected, or exact timelines for particular missions.
No publicly available information. The text of the resolution does not include cost estimates, appropriations, or detailed budget information.
The resolution’s text states reasons supporters give for the measure: it describes Iran as a leading state sponsor of terrorism and an adversary that threatens the United States, its forces, and allies through missiles, proxy forces, and pursuit of a nuclear weapon. The text says Congress should provide clear mission scope and objectives for any use of force and that this authorization is intended to be a specific statutory authorization under the War Powers Resolution.
No publicly available information.