1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my grave concern over recent reports of drone strikes ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, resulting in over 80 deaths since September 2. These strikes, targeting alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, raise serious questions about their legality and ethical implications. Of particular alarm is the Washington Post's report that Secretary Hegseth allegedly ordered "no survivors" in a September 2 strike. This command, if true, potentially violates the Geneva Conventions and U.S. law. Such actions demand immediate congressional oversight and investigation. Secretary Hegseth's history of controversial statements regarding rules of engagement and international law compounds these concerns. During his confirmation hearing, he notably avoided directly answering questions about adhering to the Geneva Conventions. His past advocacy for "maximum lethality" and disregard for what he termed "stupid rules of engagement" further underscores the urgency of this matter. The gravity of these allegations cannot be overstated. Both Democrats and Republicans have raised concerns about the potential war crime implications of Secretary Hegseth's alleged order. His previous lobbying for pardons of individuals accused or convicted of war crimes adds another troubling dimension to this situation. I urge you to take immediate action on three fronts: 1. Initiate a congressional investigation into these drone strikes and Secretary Hegseth's alleged orders. 2. Exercise robust oversight of the Department of Defense's operations and decision-making processes. 3. Call for a criminal investigation into potential violations of international law and U.S. military code. The integrity of our military operations, our nation's adherence to international law, and our moral standing in the global community are at stake. Swift and decisive action is necessary to uphold the principles that our nation claims to represent. I look forward to your response detailing the steps you will take to address this critical issue.