1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to take immediate action to prevent unilateral military strikes against Iran without congressional authorization. The Constitution grants Congress alone the power to declare war, and this authority must not be abdicated to the executive branch. Recent history demonstrates the catastrophic consequences of military action without proper congressional oversight and debate. The 2003 Iraq invasion, authorized by a broad resolution rather than a formal declaration of war, resulted in over 4,400 American service members killed, tens of thousands wounded, and cost taxpayers more than $2 trillion. We cannot repeat these mistakes with Iran. Military conflict with Iran would be far more devastating than the Iraq War. Iran has a population of 88 million people, sophisticated military capabilities, and strategic alliances throughout the Middle East. Any military engagement would likely draw in regional powers, disrupt global oil markets, and require a sustained commitment of American troops and resources that would dwarf previous conflicts. The administration has demonstrated a pattern of bypassing congressional authority on matters of war and peace. This erosion of constitutional checks and balances threatens our democratic system and puts American lives at risk based on the decisions of a single individual rather than the collective judgment of elected representatives accountable to the people. I am asking you to co-sponsor and actively support legislation that explicitly requires congressional authorization before any military action against Iran. This should include prohibitions on offensive strikes, naval blockades, or any acts of war that have not been debated and approved by both chambers of Congress through a formal vote. Our service members, their families, and the American people deserve a full and transparent debate before being committed to another Middle Eastern conflict. Please stand up for constitutional governance and prevent unauthorized military escalation with Iran.