longer.blue

I sent this to both of my Senators. January 11, 2026 Honorable Senator Durbin, The Senate will vote this week on a bipartisan war powers resolution to block Trump from continuing military action against Venezuela, a vote that takes on heightened importance after U.S. forces attacked the South American nation and arrested President Nicolás Maduro. The resolution to block the Trump regime from engaging in further hostilities against Venezuela is privileged, which means Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) cannot stop it from coming to the floor. The measure is sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) and Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.). It needs only a simple majority to pass the Senate. It is long past time for Congress to reassert its critical constitutional role in matters of war, peace, diplomacy, and trade. Trump is constantly breaking our laws, and international laws. When will the Senate become a Senate for the people again? We have had 250 years of democracy, but now we all have to fight to save it from a wannabe dictator and Project 2025. I am confident you will vote yes to enforce the War Powers Act. Speak for us, We, the People, to Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and populist conservative Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.). These three have the potential to vote for the measure. Last month, the proposal by Republican McGovern failed in the lower chamber. That can't happen again. A House proposal sponsored by Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) to stop Trump’s use of military force against Venezuela narrowly failed in the lower chamber last month. It lost by 2 votes. We do not want a war with Venezuela for the purpose of seizing their oil or advancing corporate and geopolitical interests at the expense of human life. We are exhausted by the constant fear, intimidation, and repression carried out by militarized forces that resemble secret police tactics, now escalating to the killing of innocent people. This is unacceptable in a society that claims to value freedom and human rights. We are beyond frustrated with a government that continues down this path, and with the silence and complicity of Republican leaders, along with some Democrats who enable these actions through inaction or political convenience. Their failure to stand up for justice and restraint has consequences measured in lives lost and trust destroyed. We demand that every possible step be taken to stop this reckless march toward war and further violence. History will not look kindly on those who stood by and did nothing. Neither will the people. Our patience is wearing thin, and we expect accountability, transparency, and an immediate change in course. Respectfully, David Piekarczyk