IV 

115TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION H. RES. 1069 

Requiring the President to seek congressional authorization prior to any 

engagement of the United States Armed Forces against any adversary. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

SEPTEMBER 13, 2018 

Ms. GABBARD for herself and Mr. JONES) submitted the following resolution; 

which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs 

RESOLUTION 

Requiring the President to seek congressional authorization 

prior to any engagement of the United States Armed 

Forces against any adversary. 

Whereas President Trump has clearly indicated an intention 

to use the United States Armed Forces against Syria, 

Russia, and Iran and has not presented a plan to Congress, consulted with Congress, or sought authorization 

from Congress for the use of such forces; 

Whereas Congress has not authorized the use of military 

force against Syrian, Iranian, or Russian armed forces in 

any capacity, and has not declared war against any such 

governments; 

Whereas Congress has the sole power to declare war under 

article I, section 8, of the Constitution; 


pamtmann on DSKBFK8HB2PROD with BILLS
2 

•HRES 1069 IH 

Whereas Section 3 of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 

1542) requires the President, ‘‘in every possible instance,’’ to consult with Congress before introducing the 

Armed Forces into situations of hostilities or imminent 

hostilities, and to continue consultations while the Armed 

Forces remain in such situations; 

Whereas Section 9018 of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018 (Division C of Public Law 115–141), 

states ‘‘None of the funds made available by this Act 

may be used with respect to Syria in contravention of the 

War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1541 et seq.), including for the introduction of United States armed or military forces into hostilities in Syria, into situations in 

Syria where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly 

indicated by the circumstances, or into Syrian territory, 

airspace, or waters while equipped for combat, in contravention of the congressional consultation and reporting 

requirements of sections 3 and 4 of that law (50 U.S.C. 

(6) 1542 and 1543).’’; 

Whereas, on September 10, 2018, President Trump’s National Security Advisor John Bolton warned that Syria 

would face a ‘‘much stronger’’ United States response 

than the airstrikes on the Syrian government in April 

2017 and April 2018; 

Whereas, on September 6, 2018, the United States State Department Representative for Syria Engagement, James 

Jeffrey, stated that now the United States will not tolerate ‘‘an attack. Period.’’ and that ‘‘Any offensive is to 

us objectionable as a reckless escalation.’’; 

Whereas, on September 7, 2018, the United States Ambassador to the United Nations alluded to warfare when 


pamtmann on DSKBFK8HB2PROD with BILLS
3 

•HRES 1069 IH 

warning Syria, Russia, and Iran of ‘‘dire consequences’’ 

for actions taken in Idlib, Syria; and 

Whereas, on September 12, 2018, the United States Ambassador to the United Nations stated that ‘‘not just chemical weapons would be addressed by the United States 

and our allies. But any offenses on the civilian people on 

Idlib was going to be dealt with’’: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Rep2 resentatives that— 

3 (1) the President is required— 

4 (A) to seek congressional authorization 

5 prior to any engagement of the United States 

6 Armed Forces against Syria, Iran, or Russia; 

7 and 

8 (B) to consult with Congress ‘‘in every 

9 possible instance’’ before introducing the Armed 

10 Forces into situations of hostilities or imminent 

11 hostilities, in accordance with Section 3 of the 

12 War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1542); and 

13 (2) the use of the Armed Forces without con14 gressional authorization is illegal and unconstitu15 tional under article I, section 8 of the Constitution. 

Æ 


pamtmann on DSKBFK8HB2PROD with BILLS