1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

The president does not have power under the Constitution to unilaterally authorize a military attack in a situation that does not involve stopping an actual or imminent threat to the United States. Apart from the constitutional infirmities of Trump's unilateral actions against Iran, waging war by tweet is stupid, undisciplined, and dangerous. Attacking another nation and threatening to kill its leader is serious business that should be decided through sober discussion with civilian and military experts. Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) introduced a war powers resolution on Tuesday that asserts the requirement of Congress’ approval if Trump wants to commit armed forces to military action in the region. Please sign on to this legislation. You are a veteran, stand up and protect our troops! To be clear, I am not (a) defending Iran or its pursuit of nuclear weapons, or (b) commenting on Israel’s decision to attack Iran. If attacking Iran’s nuclear processing facilities is the correct course of action, doing so within the parameters set forth by the Constitution will make us stronger, not weaker.