1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I am writing as a concerned constituent to urge you to uphold the Constitution and protect the role of Congress in matters of war and peace after President Trump’s recent decision to launch extensive military strikes against Iran. According to The New York Times editorial board, the President’s approach has been described as “reckless” and lacking clear objectives — and importantly, conducted without formal congressional authorization, a key constitutional requirement under Article I. This issue is not merely academic. The Constitution expressly grants Congress the power to declare war and to decide whether the United States should commit forces into sustained combat. Yet in this case, military action was ordered without a vote or explicit authorization from Congress. Many lawmakers — including members of both parties — have openly raised concerns that this kind of unilateral executive action undermines our constitutional framework and risks drawing the country into protracted conflict without adequate oversight or public debate. I am especially troubled that:    •   The President has not provided Congress and the American people a clear legal rationale, strategic objectives, or exit strategy for military action against Iran.    •   Formal congressional authorization was bypassed before significant military operations began — a pattern that erodes the separation of powers.    •   The absence of timely, transparent public explanation leaves unanswered questions about the reasons for escalation and how this serves U.S. interests. For these reasons, I respectfully request that you support and pursue the following actions: 1. A formal vote in Congress on whether to authorize the use of military force against Iran, in accordance with the Constitution. 2. Public hearings and briefings to fully evaluate the administration’s legal justification, intelligence assessments, and long-term policy goals. 3. Legislative reinforcement of congressional war powers, including mechanisms that ensure robust oversight before any sustained military actions begin. Our founders intentionally vested war-making authority in Congress so that decisions about deploying American lives and resources would reflect the will of the people through their elected representatives. Upholding that constitutional balance is vital to safeguarding our democratic principles and preventing unchecked executive action from drawing the United States into dangerous and open-ended conflicts.