War Powers Act

This essay was sent to the Henderson County Democratic Party as strategic tool for engaging its members by providing a means for taking a personal action. This essay may be adapted for use in any county or precinct in the country.

Facts (science) and knowledge (education) are the foundations for human progress 

The War Powers Act of 1973

The War Powers Act of 1973.

“Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution assigns Congress the right to declare war…The resolution required that, in the absence of a declaration of war, the president must report to Congress within 48 hours of introducing armed forces into hostilities and must terminate the use of U.S. armed forces within 60 days unless Congress permits otherwise.” (PolitiFact)

The War on Iran is illegal

·         Unauthorized Congressional actions and expenses.

o   No Authority. In recent decades, congressional consent has usually been accomplished by the passage of an "authorization for the use of military force…Trump did not present Congress with an authorization request” (PolitiFact)

o   Spending unallocated money. “Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the administration is considering a $200 billion supplemental request to cover the costs of military action in Iran…It takes money to kill bad guys” (Politico)

·         Violation of International Law

o   “The attack on Iran also runs afoul of United Nations Charter Article 2(4), which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity of any member state. The UN Charter was ratified by the United States Senate in 1945 (by a vote of 89-2) and is the “law of the land” on exactly the same level as legislation passed by Congress.” (Contrarian)

o   “The UN Charter places significant restrictions on the resort to military force, which includes war. Absent approval by the UN Security Council, the use of military force is permitted only if in self-defense under Article 51.” (Contrarian)

Trump’s invasion of Iran has produced a Constitutional crisis. If the United States carries out his threats and orders, our country will be violating the Constitution and the rules of International Law historically established by the US. This is not the example our country should be setting for world.

What You Can Do Now

·         Share this e-mail with a friend.

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·         Join your neighbors in (Precinct Name) to help make a difference

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In a Democracy, one person cannot start a war! Only the peoples’ representatives, Congress, can take the United States to war. In a democracy, the President is simply The Executive Officer, not a King. Pass the War Powers Resolution, now. Enforce the Constitutional Separation of Powers giving Congress authority over wars and expenses, and protect American Democracy. 

Here’s how you can contact each of your federal representatives from North Carolina: Each of the links below takes you to a secure web form where you can email a copy of the letter directly, or phone or mail a copy to:

📬 Senator Thom Tillis

·         Email Contact Form: Email Senator Tillis

·         Phone: (202) 224-6342

·         Mailing Address: 185 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510

📬 Senator Ted Budd

·         Email Contact Form: Email Senator Budd

·         Phone: (202) 224-3154

·         Mailing Address: 217 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510

📬 Representative Chuck Edwards

·         Email Contact Form: Email Congressman Edwards

·         Phone: (202) 225-6401

·         Mailing Address: 1505 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515