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.

Legislative Summary: S.J.Res. 100 (119th Congress)

Overview

S.J.Res. 100 is a joint resolution seeking to mandate the immediate cessation and removal of United States Armed Forces from military hostilities involving vessels in the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The resolution is rooted in the assertion that current military operations in these regions have been conducted without explicit Congressional authorization or a formal declaration of war.

Main Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of this resolution is to assert Congressional authority over the use of military force, as established in Article I of the U.S. Constitution and the War Powers Resolution of 1973.

The resolution argues that:
* The U.S. has been engaging in maritime strikes in these regions since September 2, 2025.
* The 60-day window for the President to obtain Congressional authorization (as required by the War Powers Resolution) has expired.
* Because no statutory authorization or declaration of war has been enacted, the executive branch's legal authority to continue these specific hostilities has lapsed.

Key Provisions

• Mandatory Termination: The resolution directs the President to terminate the use of U.S. Armed Forces for hostilities against vessels in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean.
• Legal Requirements: It specifies that these actions must cease unless they are supported by a formal declaration of war or a specific authorization for the use of military force (AUMF).
• Self-Defense Exception: The bill includes a "rule of construction" clarifying that this resolution does not prohibit the United States from defending itself against an armed attack or an imminent threat of an armed attack.
• Expedited Procedure: The resolution invokes section 1013 of the Department of State Authorization Act (Fiscal Years 1984 and 1985) to utilize expedited legislative procedures for the removal of forces.

Affected Parties

• The Executive Branch/President: The President would be legally required to halt the specified military operations.
• U.S. Armed Forces: Military personnel currently engaged in maritime strikes in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific would be withdrawn from these hostilities.
• International Vessels: Vessels currently targeted by U.S. forces in these specific geographic regions would no longer be subject to authorized military strikes under this resolution.

Procedural Status

• Introduced: December 17, 2025.
• Current Status: The bill has been read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations for review.