1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

The US and Israeli attacks on Iran nine days ago began a war that has not ended — it’s escalating. As a result, our nation and citizens face growing economic, humanitarian, and strategic risks. Congress cannot afford to stay out of the military and political conflicts. Global energy markets are already reacting. Oil prices have surged above $100/barrel, even past $115, amid fears bombing of and from Iran could disrupt the Strait of Hormuz. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas shipments pass through the Strait. Economists warn that the conflict risks triggering a global energy shock that could slow economic growth while driving prices higher — the classic conditions of stagflation. Even if one supports regime change in Iran, we cannot trust this administration to deal with intractable stagflation without incredible suffering amongst American workers. The humanitarian consequences of the US attacks on Iran are genuinely devastating. A strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ primary school in Minab killed more than 160 people, most of them children. U.S. officials have acknowledged that the incident is under investigation, and international organizations have called for a full accounting of what occurred. If confirmed, this tragedy may be a war crime under international statutes. Americans and Iranians alike deserve transparency and accountability for this incident. Meanwhile, at least nine US service members have already been killed as a result of military actions. The Constitution grants Congress clear authority over matters of war and military funding. That authority exists precisely to prevent the United States from drifting into open-ended conflicts without democratic accountability. I recognize that a war powers bill did not pass last week, but we expect our leadership to try to do the right thing until it’s done. Congress should pass a War Powers resolution immediately, even if it means we all watch the President veto it. Congress must reclaim its constitutional role. Refuse to sit idle while the US falls into another Afghanistan-like, unending conflict that will take countless lives and produce countless enemies.