1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

The United States and Israel are currently striking a wider array of targets in Iran than during the previous 12-day war last summer, yet Congress has not authorized this military action. This violates the Constitution's clear grant of war powers to the legislative branch, not the executive. The situation has already escalated dangerously. Russia has provided Iran with intelligence that could help Tehran strike U.S. military assets in the region. An Iranian warship was sunk by a U.S. submarine near Sri Lanka. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that this Middle East conflict could spiral beyond control. When a Marine veteran named Brian C. attempted to protest this Iran war at a Senate hearing, GOP Senator Tim Sheehy and police dragged him out rather than hearing his concerns. Most troubling are reports of civilian casualties, including children killed while attending school. Video evidence shows an apparent Iranian ballistic missile over the occupied West Bank dropping cluster munitions. These weapons are indiscriminate by nature and their use in populated areas constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law. I am calling on you to take immediate action on three fronts. First, demand that President Trump seek congressional authorization for continued military operations against Iran as required by the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution. Second, vote against any funding for unauthorized military action in Iran. Third, support an independent investigation into civilian casualties and potential war crimes, including the reported deaths of schoolchildren. Congress cannot abdicate its constitutional responsibility while American service members are put in harm's way and civilians are killed without proper authorization or oversight. The founders gave war powers to Congress precisely to prevent this kind of unilateral executive military action. I expect you to fulfill your constitutional duty and reassert congressional authority over decisions of war and peace.