Open Letter to Congress: Uphold the Constitution and Check Presidential Overreach

Please read this letter all the way through. I would urge that you copy and paste this into an email (or spend the stamp and mail a letter) to your elected representatives. At the bottom of this article are also some other considerations.

Dear [Senator/Representative] [Last Name], 

I write to you as a concerned citizen deeply troubled by the ongoing abuse of power stemming from President Donald Trump’s emergency declaration, which has been used to justify sweeping deportations, the detention of public officials, and the erosion of constitutional norms. While immigration enforcement is a legitimate function of government, the weaponization of emergency powers to bypass Congress, target political adversaries, and undermine due process represents a dangerous precedent that must be stopped. 

Article I of the Constitution grants Congress—not the president—the power to legislate and allocate funds. The National Emergencies Act of 1976 was never intended to be an end-run around congressional authority, yet this administration has exploited it to enact draconian policies without oversight. Congress has the power—and the duty—to rein in this abuse. 

I urge you to take immediate action by: 

1. Revoking the Emergency Declaration  – The House and Senate should pass a resolution of termination under 50 U.S.C. § 1622 to nullify the president’s emergency declaration. If vetoed, Congress must rally the votes to override. 

2. Introducing the "Emergency Powers Restoration Act"  – A new bill should: 

   - **Narrow the scope of emergency declarations** by requiring congressional approval within 30 days for any emergency action affecting civil liberties or budgetary allocations. 

   - **Prohibit the use of emergency powers for immigration enforcement** absent a verifiable, immediate national security threat. 

   - **Create expedited judicial review** for emergency actions that infringe on constitutional rights, ensuring timely checks on executive overreach. 

3. Defunding Unconstitutional Enforcement – Congress must exercise its power of the purse to block funding for mass deportations, detention of public officials, or other abuses carried out under this emergency declaration. 

The framers of our Constitution designed a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from accumulating unchecked power. If Congress fails to act now, it will set a precedent that future presidents—of any party—can exploit to rule by decree. 

I ask you to stand firm in defense of the Constitution and the rule of law. The American people are watching, and history will judge whether this Congress fulfilled its oath to preserve our democracy. 

Sincerely, 

[Your Name] 

[Your Address] 

[Your Contact Information] 

--- 

Note to my readers: Personalize this letter with your own concerns, and send it to your senators and representatives via their official websites or mail. Collective pressure works—make your voice heard! #RestoreChecksAndBalances

Power to the people! Let’s hold them accountable!

If you want to take it further, here are a few extra steps to amplify impact: 

1. Call, Don’t Just Email – Congressional offices track calls more closely. A quick script: 

   "Hi, I’m [Name], a constituent from [Town]. I’m urging [Senator/Rep] to support revoking Trump’s emergency declaration and introducing an Emergency Powers Restoration Act to stop presidential overreach. Will they act on this? Thank you."  

2. Social Media Blast – Tag your reps publicly (they hate bad press). Example tweet: 

"@[RepHandle] The Constitution gave YOU the power to stop Trump’s emergency abuse. Revoke the declaration, defund the overreach, and pass the Emergency Powers Restoration Act. No more kings. #CheckThePresident"

3. Mobilize Local Groups—Share this letter with grassroots organizations, Indivisible chapters, or town halls. Collective pressure makes it harder to ignore. 

Keep pushing — history’s written by those who show up! Solidarity! ✊