1. United States
2. Ind.
3. Letter

I am writing as a constituent to urge you to assert Congress’s exclusive constitutional authority to declare war. Specifically, I request that you support and introduce legislation that explicitly requires the President to obtain prior authorization from Congress before initiating or resuming any military hostilities against Iran. Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution clearly grants Congress the sole power to declare war. The Executive branch does not have the authority to enter the nation into a protracted military conflict without legislative approval. While the President maintains the inherent authority to defend the nation against imminent attacks, this defensive power must not be used as a loophole for unauthorized, preemptive, or retaliatory military operations. Tensions in the Middle East demand rigorous debate, strategy assessment, and public accountability—processes that can only happen through Congress. A war with Iran would have catastrophic consequences for global security, American service members, and our economic stability. The decision to risk American lives must be subjected to the highest level of democratic scrutiny by the elected representatives of the American people. Please honor your oath to the Constitution by ensuring that no administration can bypass Congress on matters of war and peace. I urge you to support statutory restrictions that prevent funding for any unauthorized military action against Iran.