1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

I am writing in profound alarm regarding last night’s strike on Iran and the statements made by the President in the hours leading up to and following that action. Before the strikes, the President spoke in stark and ominous terms about overwhelming force, about America’s unmatched military power, and about the likelihood that “American heroes will die” if escalation continues. He framed further action as swift and decisive, and suggested that any retaliation would be met with consequences far greater than anything seen before. Those words were not abstract. They were a public acknowledgment that American lives are now at risk because of a decision taken without clear congressional authorization or transparent public justification. To speak openly about the prospect of American service members dying - before exhausting constitutional process and diplomatic avenues - is deeply troubling. Our troops are not rhetorical devices. They are human beings with families who went to bed last night not knowing whether their loved ones would be sent into a widening war. When the Commander in Chief signals that casualties are foreseeable, the burden to justify and lawfully authorize that risk becomes even greater. This letter is directed to the White House because the responsibility to correct course begins there. I urge this administration to take the following immediate actions: 1 Publicly clarify the legal basis for last night’s strike, including the specific statutory or constitutional authority relied upon. 2 Commit in writing that no further military escalation will occur without explicit congressional authorization. 3 Formally request that Congress debate and vote on an Iran War Powers Resolution to determine the scope, limits, or prohibition of further hostilities. 4 Immediately brief congressional leadership and relevant committees in full, including classified details necessary for meaningful oversight. 5 Outline a clear, time-bound diplomatic strategy to prevent further escalation and prioritize regional stability. 6 Provide transparent communication to the American people about objectives, risks, and exit strategies. The Constitution does not permit open-ended military engagement initiated solely at the discretion of the executive branch. War powers are deliberately divided to prevent rash decisions that could cost countless lives. Acting first and seeking justification later undermines that structure and erodes public trust. If the President believes this action was necessary to protect American interests, then the administration should welcome scrutiny, debate, and lawful authorization. Confidence in the decision should make transparency possible - not threatening. Most importantly, the administration must remember that when the President says “American heroes will die,” he is speaking about real people. About 19-year-olds on their first deployment. About career service members who have already sacrificed years away from their families. About parents who will answer a knock at the door that changes their lives forever. Those consequences demand humility, restraint, and strict adherence to constitutional process. De-escalate. Seek authorization. Protect our service members. Restore constitutional balance. The American people deserve nothing less.