I am writing you about the role of Maine’s congressional delegation in asserting Congress’ constitutional mandate to declare war or take military action.
In early October, there was a bipartisan effort to force President Trump to seek congressional authorization to use force in regard to Venezuela. Sen. Angus King voted in support of this resolution. Sen. Susan Collins voted against it. The vote failed 51-48.
In November, there was a vote on another similar resolution. Again, Sen. King supported it and Sen. Collins did not. The vote failed 51-49. Earlier this fall, resolutions on the War Powers Act were introduced in the House without result.
All members of Maine’s congressional delegation should support legislation requiring the Trump administration to comply with the War Powers Act. The Trump administration’s approach to Venezuela is clearly illegal.
The recent controversy over the killing of two individuals, who were struggling in the water after an initial strike, is a war crime. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law and Maine’s congressional delegation should vote in support of legislation to effect that.
William Franks
Wells
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