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119-sjres-100119th Congress

A joint resolution 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.

Sponsored By: Senator Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ]

Introduced

Summary

This joint resolution would force an end to U.S. strikes that lack congressional authorization by requiring the President to terminate military hostilities against vessels in the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific unless Congress declares war, passes a specific authorization, or extends the War Powers period. It ties any continued maritime use of force to a formal congressional approval timeline and preserves a narrow self-defense exception.

Show full summary
  • Presidents and the executive branch would have to stop maritime strikes in the specified waters unless Congress provides a declaration of war, a specific authorization, or extends the War Powers period within 60 days.
  • Members of Congress would get faster consideration of measures to remove forces because the resolution references existing expedited legislative procedures tied to past international security laws.
  • U.S. armed forces conducting maritime strikes in the Caribbean Sea or the Eastern Pacific would face mandated termination of those operations absent congressional authorization.
  • The resolution explicitly preserves the ability to defend the United States from an armed attack or an imminent threat.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Stop U.S. naval hostilities in region

If enacted, this would direct the President to stop using U.S. Armed Forces for hostilities against vessels operating in the Caribbean Sea or the Eastern Pacific Ocean unless Congress declares war or passes a specific authorization. The resolution says 60 calendar days have passed since the President notified Congress under the War Powers Resolution. Because Congress did not declare war or pass a specific authorization, the bill would require the use of force to end. The bill would still allow the United States to defend itself from an armed attack or an imminent armed attack.

Faster congressional votes to remove forces

If enacted, this would require Congress to consider any bill or joint resolution to remove U.S. forces used without a declaration or specific statutory authorization under expedited procedures. That would shorten the time Congress takes to vote on removal measures. The rule would apply only to removal measures about forces used without explicit congressional authorization and would take effect upon enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ]

AZ • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]

    VA • D

    Sponsored 1/5/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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