1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to support the war powers resolution that would require Congressional authorization before engaging in military action against Iran. The Senate's 47-53 vote on Wednesday to block this measure represents an abandonment of the constitutional separation of powers that our founders established to prevent unchecked executive authority. Article I of the Constitution explicitly grants Congress the sole power to declare war. This is not a partisan issue but a fundamental question of constitutional governance. Sen. Rand Paul correctly observed during the vote that Congress has become "a rubber stamp for whatever a president tells them to do" rather than exercising its legislative prerogative to check executive power. This abdication of responsibility has led to decades of military engagements without proper authorization. The joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Saturday that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have triggered retaliatory attacks and a spreading regional conflict. Sen. Chris Coons noted that "billions of dollars worth of munitions have been fired off" in this escalating situation. Combat veterans in the House, including Rep. Pat Ryan who served in Iraq, are warning about preventing another "forever war" and the prospect of "flag draped coffins of young Americans" coming home. The administration will soon need to request additional funding from Congress for the Department of Defense, requiring 60 votes in the Senate. This presents a critical opportunity to reassert Congressional authority. Before approving any additional funding, Congress must hold open hearings on Iran policy and pass authorization requirements for continued military engagement. I urge you to support war powers resolutions and demand Congressional authorization before any further military action against Iran. The Constitution requires it, and your constituents deserve a voice in decisions that could lead to prolonged conflict and American casualties.