Expressing that Congress has the sole and exclusive power to declare war.
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (7 Jan 2009): Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
What this bill does
This resolution, H.Con.Res. 5, expresses the view that Congress alone holds the constitutional authority to declare war. It suggests the President should present the question of war to Congress. The resolution also states that Congress will support U.S. military personnel engaged in war, protection, or disarmament efforts.
The bill specifically addresses the power of the U.S. government, highlighting the roles of both Congress and the President in matters of war. It was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Sheila Jackson-Lee of Texas in January 2009 during the 111th Congress.
Following its introduction, the resolution was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. As a concurrent resolution, it requires approval from both the House and the Senate to be adopted. If passed by both chambers, it would represent an official statement of Congress's position on the power to declare war.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
States that pursuant to section 8 of article I of the Constitution of the United States, Congress has the sole and exclusive power to declare war.
Timeline
7 Jan 2009
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Common questions
- What does H.Con.Res. 5 do?
- This resolution, H.Con.Res. 5, expresses the view that Congress alone holds the constitutional authority to declare war. It suggests the President should present the question of war to Congress. The resolution also states that Congress will support U.S. military personnel engaged in war, protection, or disarmament efforts. The bill specifically addresses the power of the U.S. government, highlighting the roles of both Congress and the President in matters of war. It was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Sheila Jackson-Lee of Texas in January 2009 during the 111th Congress. Following its introduction, the resolution was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. As a concurrent resolution, it requires approval from both the House and the Senate to be adopted. If passed by both chambers, it would represent an official statement of Congress's position on the power to declare war.
- Has H.Con.Res. 5 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.Con.Res. 5. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.Con.Res. 5?
- H.Con.Res. 5 was sponsored by Rep. Jackson-Lee, Sheila [D-TX-18] (D-TX), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.Con.Res. 5?
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. (7 Jan 2009).
Related bills in Armed Forces and National Security
Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act
VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2026
PFB Act
To authorize the Secretary of the Army to convey to the State of North Carolina a certain parcel of real property located at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on which the State shall construct a veterans’ State home, and for other purposes.
More bills from Rep. Jackson-Lee, Sheila [D-TX-18]
To provide for Federal civilian agency laboratory development for testing and certification of artificial intelligence for civilian agency use, and for other purposes.
To provide for citizen engagement on the development and adoption of Federal civilian agency use of artificial intelligence, and for other purposes.
Civilian Agency AI Watermark Act
COVID–19 Delivery Act
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.