Support S.2198:Reassert Congressional Control Over Domestic Military Involvement

I am writing to urge you to support S. 2198, the Military in Law Enforcement Accountability Act. This legislation reflects a responsible, rule-based approach to ensuring that our armed forces are used for their proper constitutional purpose—national defense—not as a default substitute for civilian policing. First, S. 2198 strengthens the separation between military and civilian law enforcement. A clear boundary protects public trust and preserves the longstanding principle that armed forces should not be drawn into domestic law enforcement activities as a matter of convenience or preference. Second, this bill reasserts Congress’s role in controlling domestic military involvement. By requiring defined authorization and oversight—particularly when support would extend beyond a short, limited window—it limits unilateral executive overreach. That is a structural safeguard consistent with how Congress should maintain authority over war powers and domestic deployment. Third, the act improves legal clarity by narrowing the circumstances under which military support may be provided. In times of crisis, ambiguity can lead to overreach, uneven enforcement, and uncertainty for commanders and partner agencies. A standardized statutory framework reduces gray-area arguments and helps prevent workarounds that effectively expand powers beyond what the law intends. Fourth, accountability protections benefit everyone. Clear identification requirements and restrictions on “dual-hat” roles reduce confusion for the public and lower the risk that service members are placed in politically or operationally inappropriate domestic functions. That protects civilians and preserves military professionalism. Finally, S. 2198 helps prevent politicization of the military. It supports a predictable, nonpartisan standard for when and how the military can assist civil authorities—so our forces remain focused on core missions. I respectfully ask you to cosponsor and vote in favor of S. 2198.