Analyst Brief March 03, 2026

H.CON.RES. 38 — Directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Current Status
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

Executive Summary

This concurrent resolution directs the President to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, invoking Section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution. It asserts that Congress has not declared war or provided specific authorization for hostilities against Iran. The resolution aims to reassert congressional authority over military actions and prevent further unauthorized engagement. It was submitted to the House of Representatives and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Data

Primary Sponsor
Mr. MASSIE
Bill Number
H. CON. RES. 38
Co-Sponsors
Mr. KHANNA, Ms. OCASIO-CORTEZ, Ms. HOYLE of Oregon, Ms. TLAIB, Ms. JAYAPAL, Mr. BEYER

Arguments For

  • Reasserts Congressional authority over military actions, fulfilling a campaign promise to check executive power.
  • Provides political cover for members concerned about potential escalation of conflict with Iran.
  • Aligns with a growing sentiment against 'forever wars' and promotes a more restrained foreign policy.
  • Could lead to improved diplomatic relations with Iran by signaling a desire to de-escalate military tensions.
Likely Supporters
DemocratsProgressive groupsAnti-war organizations

Arguments Against

  • May be perceived as weakening the President's ability to respond to threats from Iran, potentially emboldening Iranian aggression.
  • Could be criticized as undermining U.S. credibility and resolve in the region, potentially alienating allies.
  • The President is likely to veto, leading to a political showdown with limited practical impact.
  • The resolution's language regarding intelligence sharing could be interpreted as overly restrictive, hindering effective counterintelligence efforts.
Likely Opponents
RepublicansNeoconservative think tanksDefense industry lobbyists

📋 Key Provisions

  • Directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in Iran.
  • States that Congress has not declared war or authorized hostilities against Iran.
  • Reaffirms Congress's power to direct the removal of forces under the War Powers Resolution.
  • Includes rule of construction regarding intelligence sharing.
  • Includes rule of construction regarding no authorization for use of military force.

🔍 Verification Guide

BETA
Claim Analysis Page 2, Line 21

Directs the President to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

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"hereby directs the President to terminate"

Claim Analysis Page 2, Line 8

Cites Section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution.

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"(3) Section 5(c) of the War Powers"

Claim Analysis Page 2, Line 4

States Congress has not declared war with respect to Iran.

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"(2) Congress has not declared war"

Claim Analysis Page 3, Line 6

Resolution includes a rule of construction regarding intelligence sharing.

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"SEC. 3. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION REGARDING"

Claim Analysis Page 3, Line 19

Resolution includes a rule of construction regarding no authorization for use of military force.

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"SEC. 4. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION REGARDING"

Generated by The Capitol Wire AI • Verification Required

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