Congress One

H.R. 8322 is a legislative proposal that would extend the expiration date of Title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) of 1978 until April 30, 2026. This law governs the government’s authority to conduct electronic surveillance of non-U.S. persons located outside the United States for foreign intelligence purposes. By extending this authority, the bill allows federal intelligence agencies to continue their current surveillance operations under the existing legal framework for an additional period. This bill does not change the specific rules, oversight requirements, or procedures of the surveillance programs themselves; it only extends the time frame during which these authorities remain active. It does not grant new surveillance powers, nor does it alter the protections currently in place for U.S. citizens or residents.

S. 4344 proposes to extend the authorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for an additional three years. Section 702 allows the U.S. government to conduct targeted surveillance of non-U.S. persons located outside the United States for foreign intelligence purposes. This bill would maintain the existing legal framework for these surveillance activities, which are currently set to expire, without making changes to the underlying procedures or oversight requirements. This bill does not change the scope of surveillance authorities, nor does it create new privacy protections or surveillance powers. It is a procedural extension of an existing law rather than a reform or expansion of intelligence-gathering methods.

H.J.Res. 156 is a legislative proposal that seeks to invoke the War Powers Resolution regarding U.S. military involvement in an operation referred to as "Operation Epic Fury" in Iran. The bill would require the President to either obtain explicit congressional authorization to continue this military operation or, failing that, to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from the operation within a specific timeframe. Specifically, it mandates compliance with the 60-day limit for the use of force and a 30-day period for a phased withdrawal. This bill primarily affects the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government regarding military engagement. It does not directly change laws governing the daily lives, rights, or taxes of ordinary U.S. residents. It is important to note that this is a procedural resolution and does not itself declare war or provide funding for the operation.

S.J.Res. 184 is a joint resolution that would require the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from any hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran, unless Congress has specifically authorized such military action. This bill primarily affects the executive branch’s authority to conduct military operations. It does not directly change the legal rights, tax obligations, or social benefits of individual U.S. residents. This resolution does not declare war, nor does it prevent the President from using military force to defend the United States against an immediate attack. It is a procedural tool intended to assert Congress’s constitutional role in authorizing military conflict.

H.Res. 1186 is a non-binding resolution expressing the opinion of the House of Representatives regarding the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The resolution calls for President Donald Trump, his Special Envoy Steven Witkoff, and other federal officials to comply with the Constitution by turning over any payments received from foreign states, such as the United Arab Emirates, to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. It also urges these officials to divest from business interests connected to foreign governments. Because this is a "sense of the House" resolution, it does not create new laws, mandates, or legal requirements. It serves as a formal statement of the House's position and does not change the legal obligations of the individuals named.

S.Res. 677 is a non-binding resolution that expresses the opinion of the U.S. Senate. It urges the President to prioritize the release of five specific individuals—Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu, Pang Yu, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Jimmy Lai—during any future meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This resolution does not create new laws or change U.S. foreign policy requirements. It serves as a formal statement of the Senate’s position, intended to signal to the executive branch that these specific cases should be a priority in diplomatic discussions with the People’s Republic of China. This bill does not mandate any specific action by the President, nor does it impose sanctions or legal requirements on the Chinese government. It is a symbolic expression of legislative intent rather than a binding directive.

This joint resolution would require the President to remove U.S. military forces from any active fighting or hostilities directed at Iran, unless Congress has passed a specific law authorizing that military action. The bill primarily affects the U.S. Department of Defense and the President's use of military power. It asserts the constitutional role of Congress in declaring war and overseeing military engagements abroad. Because the full text is not yet available, it is unclear if the bill includes specific exceptions for immediate self-defense or how it defines "hostilities." It does not permanently ban military action against Iran; it simply requires that such action receive prior congressional approval.

H.Con.Res. 84 is a legislative resolution that seeks to invoke the War Powers Resolution of 1973. If passed, it would direct the President to remove all United States Armed Forces from Lebanon within a specified timeframe. This bill specifically targets the deployment of U.S. military personnel in Lebanon. It affects the executive branch’s authority to maintain troops in that region without explicit congressional authorization. This resolution does not declare war, nor does it change domestic laws regarding individual rights, taxes, or social benefits. It is a procedural tool used by Congress to exercise oversight regarding military deployments abroad.

H.Con.Res. 83 is a legislative resolution that seeks to invoke the War Powers Resolution of 1973. If passed, it would direct the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from any ongoing hostilities in Lebanon that have not received specific authorization from Congress. The resolution primarily affects the executive branch’s authority to deploy military personnel abroad. It serves as a formal request for the President to withdraw troops unless Congress has previously passed legislation explicitly approving their presence in combat operations. This bill does not declare war, nor does it provide funding or specific military strategy. It is a procedural tool used by Congress to assert its constitutional role in overseeing military engagements and the use of force.

S.J.Res. 114 is a joint resolution that would require the President to remove United States Armed Forces from any hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran, unless those military actions have been specifically authorized by Congress. This bill affects the executive branch’s authority to conduct military operations. If passed, it would mandate that the President either obtain formal congressional approval for ongoing or future military engagements in Iran or withdraw troops from those specific combat roles. This resolution does not declare war, nor does it prevent the President from using military force to defend the United States against an imminent attack. It is a procedural tool focused on the constitutional balance of power regarding war-making authority.

S.J.Res. 115 is a joint resolution that would require the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from any hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran, unless those military actions have already been specifically authorized by Congress. This bill primarily affects the executive branch’s authority to conduct military operations. It does not directly change the legal rights, tax obligations, or social benefits of individual U.S. residents. It is important to note that this bill does not declare war, nor does it prevent the President from acting in self-defense if the U.S. is attacked. It is a procedural measure intended to assert Congressional oversight over military engagement.

H.Con.Res. 40 directs the President to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from any ongoing hostilities against Iran. Under this resolution, the President would be required to remove these forces unless Congress has already passed a formal declaration of war or a specific authorization for the use of military force against Iran. This resolution affects the executive branch’s authority to deploy military personnel in combat operations. It does not apply to situations where the President is acting to defend the United States, its allies, or its partners from an imminent attack, provided the President follows existing War Powers Resolution reporting requirements. It is important to note that this bill does not permanently ban all military action; it specifically requires that any ongoing hostilities be authorized by Congress. It does not change the President's ability to respond to immediate threats to national security.

This bill requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for a period of 18 months, beginning on August 3, 2025. TPS is a temporary immigration status granted to eligible nationals of countries experiencing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions. The legislation primarily affects Haitian nationals currently living in the United States. Under this designation, eligible individuals can apply for work permits, are protected from being detained based on their immigration status, and cannot be deported from the U.S. while their TPS remains valid. It is important to note that TPS is temporary and does not provide a direct path to lawful permanent resident status (a green card) or U.S. citizenship. The protection expires after the 18-month period unless the Department of Homeland Security chooses to extend the designation.