The world stands at a crossroads today, brought there by the United States and the decisions of this administration. While Iran posed a threat to a peaceful global order, it was not an imminent threat that justified plunging us into another war in the Middle East. That threat could have been contained and neutralized through cooperation with our allies and the broader international community, rather than by alienating them. And it could have been done without costing the American people billions of dollars each day, or the lives of so many, including our service members.

While it is clear that this latest war was reckless and lacked a coherent strategy and objective, what we have just heard from President Trump is even more troubling, insidious, and dangerous. By declaring that “a whole civilization will die tonight,” this administration has undermined the very legitimacy of our nation. If such a statement were ever carried out, it would not mean the destruction of just one civilization, but two. The America we have built over the past 250 years, the America for which so many have sacrificed, would be lost. This city upon a hill would fade, and the beacon of hope and light it has represented to the world would be extinguished.

We cannot allow this to happen.

Every member of Congress must return immediately and pass legislation to halt hostilities and ensure that this administration cannot commit war crimes or acts of genocide in the name of this great nation. This is a cause that should transcend political ideology.

Once such legislation is enacted, if President Trump defies the law and continues down a path of aggression, he must be removed from office without delay.

Congress must act now. Failure to do so would make its members complicit in this war, and the consequences would forever stain the institution. But the American people also have a role to play. We must call our representatives and demand immediate action, before it is too late.  Today must be a time of both prayer and action.