The Iran War Powers Resolution (Senate Joint Resolution 68), as amended, would direct the president to terminate the use of U.S. armed forces for hostilities against Iran or any part of its government or military unless Congress has declared war or provided specific statutory authorization for the use of armed forces. It would clarify that nothing in the joint resolution may be construed to prevent the president from using military force to defend the United States against imminent attack.
The Senate passed S.J. Res. 68 on February 13, 2020 by a vote of 55 to 45 (Roll Call 52). We have assigned pluses to the yeas because, according to the U.S. Constitution, only Congress has the authority to declare war. The fact that Congress has to pass a resolution enforcing this concept is unfortunate, but doing so puts a check on the war powers assumed by recent presidents and should be commended.
