To direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against vessels operating in the Caribbean Sea or the Eastern Pacific Ocean that have not been authorized by Congress.
Summary
This joint resolution directs the President to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces in hostilities against vessels operating in the Caribbean Sea or the Eastern Pacific Ocean, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for the use of military force by Congress. The resolution is based on the premise that the current military actions, initiated on September 2, 2025, constitute hostilities under the War Powers Resolution and lack the necessary congressional authorization.
The resolution cites Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the Constitution, which grants Congress the sole power to declare war. It also references the War Powers Resolution and the Department of State Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1984 and 1985, outlining procedures for the removal of armed forces engaged in hostilities without congressional authorization.
The resolution includes a rule of construction stating that it should not be interpreted to prevent the United States from defending itself from an armed attack or threat of imminent armed attack.
Expected Effects
The immediate effect would be the cessation of US military actions against vessels in the specified regions, unless Congress provides explicit authorization. This could lead to a shift in US foreign policy and military strategy in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean.
It could also prompt a re-evaluation of the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches regarding military engagements. The resolution reinforces congressional authority over military actions, potentially limiting the President's ability to act unilaterally in the future.
Potential Benefits
- Reassertion of Congressional authority over military actions, aligning with the Constitution's intent.
- Potential reduction in unauthorized military engagements, promoting peace and stability.
- Increased transparency and accountability in the use of military force.
- May lead to a more considered and deliberate foreign policy decision-making process.
- Reinforces the principle of checks and balances within the government.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential limitation of the President's ability to respond quickly to emerging threats or crises.
- Could be perceived as a sign of weakness by adversaries, potentially emboldening them.
- May create uncertainty among US allies regarding the country's commitment to regional security.
- Possible disruption of ongoing counter-narcotics or anti-piracy operations.
- The resolution's focus on specific regions might create loopholes for unauthorized military actions elsewhere.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution directly invokes Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the US Constitution, which grants Congress the power to declare war. It also references the War Powers Resolution, which was enacted to ensure congressional participation in decisions regarding the use of military force. The resolution seeks to reinforce the separation of powers principle by requiring congressional authorization for military actions.
However, the Constitution also vests the President with certain powers as Commander-in-Chief, including the authority to defend the nation from attack. The resolution attempts to balance these competing powers by allowing for self-defense against imminent threats while requiring congressional approval for sustained military engagements.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).