Demand for Congressional Action Against Secretary Hegseth's Unlawful Statements

I am writing as your constituent to urge you to take immediate action regarding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's recent comments at a Pentagon press briefing. On March 13, 2026, Secretary Hegseth publicly stated that the United States would give "no quarter, no mercy" to its enemies in the ongoing Iran conflict. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, "no quarter" refers to refusing to spare the lives of combatants — including those who are clearly surrendering or unable to defend themselves. Under the Statute of the International Criminal Court and established international humanitarian law, declaring that no quarter will be given is classified as a war crime. This prohibition is enshrined in the military manuals of numerous nations, including our own. This is not a matter of political disagreement — it is a question of whether the United States will uphold the rule of law and the international norms that protect soldiers and civilians alike in armed conflict. A Secretary of Defense who publicly directs American forces toward conduct that constitutes a war crime under international law is unfit to lead the Department of Defense. I urge you to support impeachment proceedings against Secretary Hegseth and to conduct hearings into whether his statements constitute an unlawful order to U.S. military personnel. The moral standing of our armed forces, and our credibility as a nation that respects international law, depend on it. Thank you for your service and your attention to this urgent matter.