1. United States
2. Utah
3. Letter

I am deeply disappointed by your recent vote against the Democratic war powers resolution that would have required President Trump to seek congressional approval for military strikes in Venezuela. This decision undermines the fundamental principle of checks and balances enshrined in our Constitution and abdicates Congress's vital role in matters of war and peace. The Trump administration's escalating military campaign in the Caribbean, including the deployment of an advanced aircraft carrier and plans to target land-based objectives in Venezuela, demands rigorous congressional oversight. The fact that this resolution failed by a narrow margin of 49-51 underscores the gravity of this issue and the divided nature of our government on this critical matter. President Trump's stated intention to expand military operations, potentially to include killing alleged drug traffickers on land, represents a dangerous escalation that could lead to unintended consequences and potentially draw the United States into a broader conflict. The administration's reliance on a legal memo that designates drug cartel groups as legitimate targets for lethal strikes is an overly broad interpretation that sidesteps proper congressional authorization. Moreover, the lack of concrete evidence that those killed in previous boat strikes were actually smuggling drugs to the US is deeply troubling. This raises serious questions about the efficacy and legality of these operations, as well as potential violations of international law. As your constituent, I urge you to reconsider your position and support future resolutions that assert Congress's constitutional authority in matters of war. The Senate must fulfill its duty to debate and authorize any potential conflict, ensuring that our military actions align with our national interests, respect international law, and have clearly defined objectives and exit strategies. The American people deserve transparency and accountability in our foreign policy decisions, especially those that put our service members at risk and impact our relationships in the Western Hemisphere. I implore you to stand up for congressional oversight and the rule of law in future votes on this critical issue.