1. United States
2. Conn.
3. Letter

I am writing as your constituent to demand immediate action regarding Air Force Major Jason Watson. According to his attorney, Watson remains in round-the-clock solitary confinement while awaiting trial after publicly calling for President Trump’s impeachment. He has not been convicted. These reported conditions demand urgent congressional intervention. Prolonged isolation imposed as punishment before trial is unconscionable. Using it to retaliate against political dissent would be a blatant assault on the First Amendment. I condemn this reported treatment as cruel and unusual. Our government must never be allowed to inflict suffering on an accused person to intimidate others into silence. Military service carries restrictions on political activity. Those restrictions cannot excuse abusive detention or shield officials from accountability. Article 13 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice prohibits pretrial punishment and confinement more rigorous than circumstances require. Any alleged misconduct must be addressed through a fair legal process that respects those limits. Calling for impeachment invokes a remedy expressly provided by the Constitution. If this administration is using confinement to punish criticism of the president, Congress must confront that abuse immediately. Allowing state power to be weaponized against dissent allows fascism to take deeper root in this country. Authoritarianism advances when officials excuse each abuse, normalize cruelty, and delay intervention. Congressional silence makes that possible. Expressions of concern are worthless if the treatment continues. I expect you to: • Demand an immediate end to any punitive or unjustified isolation and an independent review of whether Watson should remain detained pending trial. • Require the Pentagon and Air Force to disclose the factual and legal justification for his confinement conditions, identify who authorized them, and preserve relevant records. • Ensure an independent assessment of his welfare, meaningful access to counsel, and appropriate medical care. • Press for congressional investigation of possible political retaliation and unlawful pretrial punishment, using hearings and subpoenas where necessary. • Pursue accountability for anyone found responsible for unlawful treatment. You do not need to prejudge the charges to demand humane treatment. You do not need this administration’s permission to conduct oversight. Every additional day of unjustified isolation is another day Congress has failed to intervene. Please provide a substantive response detailing the actions you have taken and your timetable for further action. A form letter expressing concern will not suffice. Your oath is to the Constitution. Fulfill it by confronting this abuse of power now.