Copy and paste the letter below into your word processing software and then replace the placeholder text with your personal information and the date or download a version in Word and personalize it that way.
Don’t forget to make this letter your own by adding your personal story and concerns.
[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Town]
The Honorable [Representative’s Full Name] [Office Address] [City, State, ZIP]
Dear Representative [Last Name]:
I am writing to express my opposition to the Trump administration’s recent actions in Venezuela and Congress’ complete abdication of its oversight duties as a coequal branch of government. Without congressional testimony and debate it is impossible to make sense of the Trump Administration’s strategy or justification for its recent actions. Neither has there been a coherent explanation of our goals, the anticipated cost (measured both in dollars and in lives), or the possible impact on our broader global strategy.
The President’s explanations and justification for his actions have made little sense. First we were told that the Trump administration’s actions were justified because the Maduro government was engaged in “narco-terrorism” contributing to America’s fentanyl crisis. Then we were told that Maduro was a corrupt, undemocratic leader responsible for the brutal repression of the Venezuelan people. Now we are told that the same corrupt, anti-democratic repressive government will remain in power, not because they have committed to democracy or to ending corruption but rather, because they have agreed to pay the US its oil revenue.
We do not know the administration’s end game, what the US role will be going forward, how long our involvement will last, or what the probable cost will be in dollars and lives. Nor have we heard any coherent analysis of how these actions may affect our relations with other neighbors and allies. We don’t have answers to any of these questions because Congress has utterly failed to press the Trump administration for answers.
A robust legislative branch and the separation of powers between the three branches of government separates our government from an autocracy. Congress has power, either through legislative action (such as the War Powers Resolution recently passed by the Senate) or, more importantly, through its power over appropriations.
History will not look favorably on a Congress that did nothing while a reckless and belligerent President jeopardized world peace and economic stability.
Sincerely,
[ Your Name ]
Back to Hold Your Ground