1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

I write to you as both a service member and a lawyer who has sworn oaths—to defend the Constitution of the United States and to uphold the rule of law. Recent unauthorized military actions against Venezuela have placed those oaths in direct conflict. I urge you to take two immediate actions: (1) publicly and unequivocally condemn the illegal strikes on Venezuela, and (2) pursue amendments to the War Powers Resolution to prevent further abuses of executive military authority. The Constitution entrusts Congress—not the President—with the power to declare war. That principle is not a mere formality; it safeguards our Republic against executive overreach and the reckless use of force. Yet, once again, we are witnessing the erosion of that foundation. The President’s order to conduct strikes in and around Venezuela appears to have occurred without congressional authorization, without a credible claim of imminent threat to the United States, and without alignment with international law. These actions not only exceed the statutory authority of the Commander in Chief but also endanger U.S. service members by forcing them into potentially unlawful operations. Under both domestic and international law, the legality of military force hinges on necessity, proportionality, and lawful authority. As a practitioner of law and a participant in the defense establishment, I can say with confidence that these strikes meet none of those criteria. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 was designed precisely to check this kind of unilateral use of military power. Yet over the past several decades, successive administrations have stretched, ignored, or reinterpreted its provisions to justify armed interventions that Congress never approved. The present situation demonstrates that the statute, as written, no longer provides a meaningful constraint. It is critical that Congress reassert its constitutional authority by revisiting and strengthening the War Powers Resolution. Specific reforms could include: 1. Tightening the definition of “hostilities” to prevent the executive branch from excluding drone strikes, covert operations, or cyber actions. 2. Setting clear, enforceable deadlines for withdrawal absent explicit congressional authorization. 3. Requiring an affirmative vote of Congress for any introduction of U.S. forces into armed conflict, absent an imminent attack on U.S. soil or personnel. 4. Establishing legal and financial consequences for executive branch violations of the statute. Beyond legality, there are profound moral and strategic consequences. These actions compromise U.S. credibility abroad, risk civilian casualties, and undermine the very democratic principles our service members are sworn to defend. Our nation’s strength does not come from unchecked power but from the discipline of self-restraint and adherence to law. Service members take orders believing they are issued within lawful boundaries. When those boundaries are ignored, it corrodes the bond of trust between civilian leadership and the armed forces. We are placed in the untenable position of carrying out directives that may violate both domestic and international law—acts that could expose individual personnel to legal and ethical liability. No soldier, sailor, airman, or marine should ever be forced into that position. Condemning and halting these unauthorized strikes is only the first step. Congress must use its constitutional powers—through hearings, resolutions, and legislation—to hold accountable those responsible for these illegal orders. Only then can we begin to restore faith in the integrity of civilian oversight of the military. I recognize that these are difficult and politically charged questions, but the stakes are too high for silence. Every precedent of unilateral action widens the path for future violations. As one who has served under lawful command and advised under the rule of law, I implore you: reassert Congress’s rightful role, defend the Constitution, and help return our nation to a path of legality and integrity in the use of military force. Thank you for your service to our country and your commitment to constitutional governance. I stand ready to support any legislative or public initiative that restores balance between the executive and legislative branches on matters of war and peace.