Demand Use of Funding Leverage to Stop Trump Administration Lawbreaking

I am writing to urge you to oppose any funding bill that does not include strict constraints on the Trump administration's ability to engage in illegal activities. With current government funding expiring on January 30, 2025, Democrats have significant leverage that must be used to enforce the rule of law. The Trump administration is currently violating domestic law, international law, and constitutional amendments. The Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel issued a memo claiming it was legal to attack Venezuela without congressional authorization. The administration is deploying military force against U.S. citizens. The Justice Department is violating the Epstein Files Transparency Act by missing deadlines and redacting required information. These are not political disagreements but clear violations of law that Congress has a constitutional duty to address. Democrats control critical leverage in this funding fight. Some 2026 funding for Congress, agriculture, military housing, and veterans is already approved through October. This means you can be surgical about which departments receive funding and impose specific restrictions on those engaged in illegal conduct. The mini-bus funding bill reportedly includes new language that more narrowly constrains how the administration can use funding. This approach should be applied across all appropriations bills. Senators like Elizabeth Warren have called for using every tool in the toolbox. Chris Murphy has stated he does not want to greenlight a fundamental revision of American foreign policy. Tim Kaine and Jeff Merkley are pushing legislation to block funding for military operations in Venezuela. These are the right instincts. I understand concerns about government shutdowns affecting everyday people. However, funding a lawless administration without meaningful accountability mechanisms causes far greater harm. If Republicans refuse to acknowledge these violations, then threatening a shutdown is the appropriate constitutional response. I urge you to vote against any funding bill that does not include enforceable restrictions preventing the administration from continuing these illegal activities. The rule of law depends on Congress exercising its power of the purse.