1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding several interconnected issues: the conduct of Senator Tim Sheehy during the forcible removal of Marine Corps veteran Brian McGinnis from a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on March 4, 2026, the protection of veterans' First Amendment rights, and what I believe is an unconstitutional military engagement conducted without a declaration of war from Congress. According to reporting by Military.com, video footage shows Capitol Police already engaged in removing Mr. McGinnis when Senator Sheehy left his seat and physically intervened. Mr. McGinnis suffered a broken arm during the encounter. Capitol Police are trained professionals specifically tasked with maintaining order — a sitting U.S. Senator has no business inserting himself physically into an active law enforcement action. I urge you to call for a full and transparent review of Senator Sheehy's involvement and whether his use of force was appropriate or necessary. Beyond the physical incident, I want to emphasize who Brian McGinnis is: a Marine Corps veteran who served this country. He was present at that hearing because he, like many Americans, is deeply troubled by the current military engagement in the Middle East. Whatever one thinks of the manner of his protest, veterans should not be physically harmed for attempting to make their voices heard before their government. The First Amendment right to petition Congress is one that service members like Mr. McGinnis swore an oath to defend. This brings me to my most fundamental concern. Under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, it is the exclusive responsibility of Congress — not the President — to declare war. The War Powers Resolution further requires congressional authorization for sustained military engagements. The current military action was initiated without a formal declaration of war or proper congressional authorization. This is not a matter of political opinion — it is a constitutional responsibility that belongs to you and your colleagues. Mr. McGinnis was removed and injured for protesting a war that Congress never declared. I find that deeply troubling, and I believe you should as well. I respectfully urge you to: 1. Call for a full review of Senator Sheehy's physical conduct during the removal of Mr. McGinnis. 2. Affirm and protect the free speech rights of veterans and all Americans engaging with their government. 3. Exercise your constitutional authority and demand that Congress vote on whether to authorize this military engagement — because that decision belongs to you, not the Executive Branch. Thank you for your time. I look forward to your response.