•HCON 83 EH 
(1) The Government of Iran is a leading state 
sponsor of terrorism and engages in a range of de-
stabilizing activities across the Middle East. Iranian 
General Qassem Soleimani was the lead architect of 
much of Iran’s destabilizing activities throughout the 
world. 
(2) The United States has an inherent right to 
self-defense against imminent armed attacks. The 
United States maintains the right to ensure the 
safety of diplomatic personnel serving abroad. 
(3) In matters of imminent armed attacks, the 
executive branch should indicate to Congress why 
military action was necessary within a certain win-
dow of opportunity, the possible harm that missing 
the window would cause, and why the action was 
likely to prevent future disastrous attacks against 
the United States. 
(4) The United States has national interests in 
preserving its partnership with Iraq and other coun-
tries in the region, including by— 
(A) combating terrorists, including the Is-
lamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS); 
(B) preventing Iran from achieving a nu-
clear weapons capability; and
•HCON 83 EH 
(C) supporting the people of Iraq, Iran, 
and other countries throughout the Middle East 
who demand an end to government corruption 
and violations of basic human rights. 
(5) Over the past eight months, in response to 
rising tensions with Iran, the United States has in-
troduced over 15,000 additional forces into the Mid-
dle East. 
(6) When the United States uses military force, 
the American people and members of the United 
States Armed Forces deserve a credible explanation 
regarding such use of military force. 
(7) The War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 
1541 et seq.) requires the President to consult with 
Congress ‘‘in every possible instance’’ before intro-
ducing United States Armed Forces into hostilities. 
(8) Congress has not authorized the President 
to use military force against Iran. 
(b) TERMINATION.—Pursuant to section 5(c) of the 
War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1544(c)), Congress 
hereby directs the President to terminate the use of 
United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or 
against Iran or any part of its government or military, 
unless—
•HCON 83 EH 
(1) Congress has declared war or enacted spe-
cific statutory authorization for such use of the 
Armed Forces; or 
(2) such use of the Armed Forces is necessary 
and appropriate to defend against an imminent 
armed attack upon the United States, its territories 
or possessions, or its Armed Forces, consistent with 
the requirements of the War Powers Resolution. 
(c) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this sec-
tion may be construed— 
(1) to prevent the President from using military 
force against al Qaeda or associated forces; 
(2) to limit the obligations of the executive 
branch set forth in the War Powers Resolution (50 
U.S.C. 1541 et seq.); 
(3) to affect the provisions of an Act or joint 
resolution of Congress specifically authorizing the 
use of United States Armed Forces to engage in 
hostilities against Iran or any part of its government 
or military that is enacted after the date of the 
adoption of this concurrent resolution; 
(4) to prevent the use of necessary and appro-
priate military force to defend United States allies 
and partners if authorized by Congress consistent
•HCON 83 EH 
with the requirements of the War Powers Resolu-
tion; or 
(5) to authorize the use of military force. 
Passed the House of Representatives January 9, 
2020. 
Attest: 
Clerk.
116TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. CON. RES. 83 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 
Directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of 
the War Powers Resolution to terminate the use 
of United States Armed Forces to engage in hos-
tilities in or against Iran.