Bill > HJRes153

This joint resolution, passed by both the Senate and House of Representatives, directs the President to withdraw United States Armed Forces from any ongoing hostilities within or against Cuba, unless Congress has explicitly authorized such military action through a declaration of war or a specific law. The resolution emphasizes that Congress holds the sole power to declare war, as outlined in the Constitution, and notes that no such declaration or authorization has been made regarding Cuba. It clarifies that the use of U.S. forces in hostilities against Cuba, including actions like blockades, falls under the definition of introducing forces into hostilities as described in the War Powers Resolution, a law that governs the President's ability to commit U.S. forces to armed conflict. The resolution also references specific legal provisions that allow for expedited consideration of measures to remove troops from hostilities without a declaration of war or specific statutory authorization, and includes a clause stating that this directive does not prevent the U.S. from defending itself against an attack or conducting lawful counternarcotics operations.