1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the recent escalation of U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, particularly the actions being taken against Venezuela. The deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, our nation's largest warship, along with other vessels like the Iwo Jima, Gravely, and Stockdale, represents a significant and troubling increase in military operations in the region. The conduct of 15 strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels, resulting in at least 65 deaths, is alarming. More concerning still is the consideration of expanding these operations to include land targets within Venezuela. These actions, taken without congressional authorization, raise serious questions about the legality and wisdom of our current military strategy. The shift in focus towards homeland and hemispheric security, as evidenced by the $175 billion Golden Dome project and the deployment of troops to U.S. cities and the southern border, seems to be overextending our naval resources. This could potentially compromise our ability to respond effectively in other global theaters. Public support for this naval presence around Venezuela is waning, particularly among Republicans. This declining support should give us pause and prompt a reevaluation of our approach. The echoes of past U.S. military interventions in the Caribbean and Latin America serve as a stark reminder of the potential long-term consequences of such actions. I urge you to take immediate action to halt these unauthorized military operations. We need a thorough congressional review of our strategy in the Caribbean and Latin America. It's crucial that we prioritize diplomatic solutions and respect for international law over military interventions. Please work to ensure that any future military actions in the region are subject to proper congressional oversight and authorization. The stakes are too high for hasty or ill-considered military action. Let's refocus our efforts on building positive relationships with our neighbors in the Western Hemisphere through diplomacy and mutual cooperation, rather than force and intimidation.