1. United States
2. Ga.
3. Letter

I am requesting clarification of the Member’s position on this question: Does the Member believe that the President has the constitutional authority to occupy another sovereign nation and direct or administer its government without an explicit authorization for the use of military force or declaration of war passed by Congress? The Constitution assigns Congress, not the executive, the authority to declare war and to authorize military action abroad. Occupation and governance of a foreign country represent among the most consequential exercises of military and political power available to the United States. Such actions carry profound legal, humanitarian, financial, and geopolitical consequences and cannot reasonably be considered incidental or implied executive authority. Regardless of policy views toward the current government of Venezuela, the question presented here is constitutional rather than political. It concerns the limits of executive power and the continuing role of Congress in authorizing acts of war, occupation, and foreign governance. I respectfully request that the Member publicly clarify their position on this issue and, if necessary, explain what constitutional or statutory authority they believe would permit such actions absent congressional approval. Thank you for ensuring that this correspondence is formally recorded and reviewed.