1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

As one of your constituents, I am deeply alarmed by the administration’s recent actions toward Venezuela, which are clearlyan unlawful use of force and a grave violation of both U.S. and international law. The deployment of military resources without congressional authorization constitutes a crime of aggression — the most serious breach of peace recognized under international law. The Constitution clearly vests Congress with the sole authority to declare war. Any president who unilaterally commits the armed forces to such hostile operations circumvents the checks and balances that protect our democracy. To use the U.S. military in ways that contravene both the War Powers Resolution and the U.N. Charter is to erode the rule of law at home and abroad. Such actions represent not only an abuse of power. They must be opposed by Congress...they are, in fact, a crime worthy of impeachment. This pattern of executive overreach exemplifies the dangers of an the “imperial presidency.” When any president claims the power to wage war at will, free from legislative oversight and public accountability, it undermines our republic’s foundation of separated powers. History has shown that the concentration of war powers in a single branch invites both abuse and endless conflict, eroding democratic governance and public trust. I urge you to stand firmly for congressional prerogatives and the constitutional limits of executive power. Please work to ensure that any unlawful military actions are investigated fully and that Congress reaffirms its constitutional duty to authorize — or deny — the use of force. Our democracy depends on upholding these principles before they are permanently weakened by precedent. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to your continued leadership in defending the Constitution and the rule of law.