The letter written by Senator Tom Cotton and signed by 46 other Republican senators, was a serious breach of tradition as well a clear and direct violation of the Logan Act. The senators are ‘citizens’. They act without ‘authority’. The letter is ‘correspondence’ with a ‘foreign government’ (the Ayatollahs of Iran). Cotton has stated that his intention was to scuttle the nuclear talks (defeat the measures of the United States). The letter is solid prima facie evidence – plenty for indictment.
But the indictment of 47 sitting Senators would be too aggressive and confrontational.
However, sternly worded statements in the face of such blatantly illegal actions seems utterly insufficient.
So, what middle path is available? I suggest President Obama officially pardon them all.