1. United States
2. Maine
3. Letter

I’m writing to urge you to take action to ensure transparency around the recent U.S. attacks on Venezuelan boats. Legal groups have sued for the release of the secret memo that purportedly justified these strikes, but the public—and Congress—still lack essential information about the legal basis for the use of force. I am asking you to: 1 Formally request and, if necessary, subpoena the memo through your committee’s oversight authority. 2 Support legislation requiring timely public release (or redacted release) of legal opinions authorizing military action outside a declared war. 3 Use appropriations leverage to require disclosure of such legal justifications as a condition of funding. Congress has a constitutional role in decisions of war and peace. Ensuring access to the legal rationale behind military actions is essential for accountability and informed oversight. Thank you for your attention to this matter.