Analyst Brief September 14, 2026

H.CON.RES. 93 — Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran

Current Status

Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

Executive Summary

H. Con. Res. 93 invokes section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to force the President to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The resolution asserts Article I congressional war powers by mandating a withdrawal unless Congress explicitly declares war or passes a specific Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against Iran. It includes a narrow carve-out allowing forces necessary to defend the U.S. or its allies from imminent attack, provided the President complies with War Powers Resolution reporting requirements.

Bill Data

Primary Sponsor

Mr. Moulton

Bill Number

H. CON. RES. 93

Session

119th

Co-Sponsors

Mr. CrowMr. RyanMs. HoulahanMr. PanettaMr. AuchinclossMs. Goodlander
View on Congress.gov ↗

Arguments For

  • Reasserts Article I congressional war powers, preventing executive overreach and unauthorized military escalation in the Middle East.
  • Provides a mechanism to de-escalate tensions with Iran, reducing the risk of the United States being dragged into a broader, costly regional war.

Likely Supporters

DemocratsWin Without WarQuincy Institute for Responsible StatecraftLibertarian/Non-interventionist groups

Arguments Against

  • May be perceived as projecting weakness to Iran and its proxy network, potentially emboldening adversarial actions against U.S. assets and allies.
  • Ties the President's hands in a highly volatile region, complicating rapid response capabilities and undermining deterrence.

Likely Opponents

RepublicansFoundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD)AIPACHawkish foreign policy think tanks

📋 Key Provisions

  • Directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran pursuant to 50 U.S.C. 1544(c).
  • Exempts military elements necessary to defend the United States, its allies, or partners from imminent attack.
  • Requires that any continued use of military force against Iran be explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or a specific congressional AUMF.
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Claim Analysis Page 1, Line 4

Directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.

Verify Text

"remove United States Armed Forces from"

Claim Analysis Page 1, Line 7

Allows forces necessary to defend the U.S. or allies from imminent attack.

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"defend the United States or an ally"

Claim Analysis Page 2, Line 3

Requires a specific congressional authorization or declaration of war for military force against Iran.

Verify Text

"explicitly authorized by a declaration of war"