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H.J.Res. 159

Joint ResolutionFederalHouseIn Committee
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to the duration of authorizations of the use of force.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · April 22, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Congress
119th (2025–2027)
Introduced
April 22, 2026
Cosponsors (1)
1D 0R
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Summary

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This resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that would automatically expire any congressional authorization for military force outside the United States after five years, unless Congress explicitly extends it or unless the authorization itself contains an earlier expiration date. The amendment would apply only to military actions that do not have a formal declaration of war, meaning it targets the broad authorizations Congress has granted for operations like those in Iraq, Afghanistan, and against terrorist organizations. The proposal affects the executive branch's ability to conduct long-term military operations and requires Congress to periodically vote to reauthorize such military actions rather than allowing them to continue indefinitely. For the amendment to take effect, it must be approved by two-thirds of both the House and Senate, then ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures within seven years. This would fundamentally change how the United States manages military commitments abroad by forcing regular congressional reconsideration of ongoing military operations.

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