Why Is Congress Getting Paid If It Won’t Do Its Constitutional Job?

I am writing to you not as a casual observer, but as a citizen who is absolutely disgusted by the extraordinary and historic inaction of the current United States Congress. We are witnessing constitutional duties ignored, critical issues unaddressed, and a glaring abdication of the very powers the Framers entrusted to this body. Let’s speak plainly about what the Constitution actually says - not the evasions and vague interpretations that have replaced real oversight. First: Congress alone has the power to declare war.
Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution states:
“The Congress shall have Power … To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water.” This is not a suggestion. It is not optional. It is a mandate. The Framers deliberately placed the power to initiate war in the Legislature, not the Executive, because they understood the danger of unilateral military action without democratic accountability. That means when a President orders military action likely to draw the United States into conflict or alter relations with another sovereign nation - whether Iran, Venezuela, or elsewhere - only Congress has the constitutional authority to authorize it. Yet repeatedly, including in recent military engagements, Congress has failed to assert this authority or has allowed itself to be bypassed. For decades, lawmakers of both parties have permitted Presidents to conduct military operations without formal authorization. Second: Congress was never meant to rubber-stamp executive action. 
War powers exist so decisions about war and peace are deliberate, transparent, and accountable to the people. Instead, Congress sits idle, issues post-hoc statements, avoids timely votes, and fails to use the War Powers Resolution as intended. This is not “strategic ambiguity.” It is dereliction. Third: Members of Congress are paid, receive taxpayer-funded benefits, and enjoy premium healthcare - yet fail to do the work the Constitution requires. Being a legislator means more than press releases after the fact. It means asserting authority and restraining unilateral executive power. If Congress refuses to take its duties seriously, our system collapses into de facto executive rule - exactly what the Framers sought to prevent. To be clear: 
We don’t need more statements. 
We don’t need symbolic votes months later. 
We need Congress to legislate, assert its authority, and demand accountability before unauthorized military action occurs. If you will not do this, then explain to your constituents why the Constitution, your oath of office, and congressional war powers no longer matter.