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

As your constituent, I urge you to support Representative Thomas Massie’s resolution to impeach Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth. I do not make this request lightly. Impeachment is appropriate when a cabinet official has allegedly violated the Constitution, abused official power, or disregarded the laws governing military action. The allegations in Rep. Massie’s resolution warrant accountability and a full congressional examination. Most importantly, the resolution alleges that Secretary Hegseth initiated or continued hostilities against Iran without a declaration of war or specific authorization from Congress, and disregarded congressional direction to withdraw U.S. forces. Article I assigns Congress the power to declare war, while the War Powers Resolution establishes limits on unauthorized hostilities. These safeguards must apply regardless of which party controls the White House. If Congress permits one administration to wage prolonged war without approval, future administrations will claim the same authority. The resolution also alleges that Secretary Hegseth authorized unlawful operations involving civilian casualties, including strikes against suspected drug traffickers that reportedly killed at least 221 people, and operations in Yemen, Iran, and the southern Caribbean. It raises concerns about alleged attacks on civilian infrastructure, “double tap” strikes, and statements suggesting “no quarter, no mercy” for enemies. These allegations demand scrutiny under the law of armed conflict. Respect for those laws protects civilians, strengthens American credibility, and provides clearer protections for our own servicemembers. The resolution further alleges that Hegseth directed the seizure or kidnapping of Venezuelan leaders Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores, and retaliated against Senator Mark Kelly for criticizing military orders. If true, such conduct would represent both unauthorized executive action and an unacceptable politicization of the military. The armed forces must remain professional, lawful, and nonpartisan. Supporting impeachment would not mean opposing our troops or prejudging every factual question. It would mean defending Congress’s constitutional authority, demanding clear military objectives, protecting servicemembers from undefined missions, and affirming that no cabinet official is above the law. I respectfully ask you to support Rep. Massie’s resolution and vote to impeach Secretary Hegseth.