Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to the duration of authorizations of the use of force.
Sponsored By: Representative Barrett, Tom [R-MI-7]
Introduced
Summary
Five-year sunset on congressional authorizations to use military force abroad. This amendment would add a new Article to the Constitution so that any Act of Congress authorizing the use of military force outside the United States would automatically end on the earlier of five years after enactment or the date the Act itself provides for termination, unless Congress has enacted a formal declaration of war.
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- Congress and future authorizations: Any Act enacted after ratification that authorizes force abroad would expire after 5 years unless Congress enacts a declaration of war. Declarations of war are not subject to this sunset.
- Military planning and operations: Commanders and planners would face more frequent deadlines to seek renewals or declarations, which could shorten or force reassessment of long deployments authorized without a declaration.
- States and ratification: The Article would become part of the Constitution only if three-fourths of the states ratify it within seven years after submission for ratification.
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Bill Overview
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Barrett, Tom [R-MI-7]
MI • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Golden, Jared F. [D-ME-2]
ME • D
Sponsored 4/22/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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