Congressman Pat Harrigan Votes NO on War Powers Resolution to Undercut Lawful National Security Action

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) voted NO on H. Con. Res. 38, a concurrent resolution that would force the termination of the U.S. Armed Forces hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran immediately following a precise and lawful strike against hostile leadership.

“Today I voted no because this resolution disregards the law, misreads the War Powers Resolution, and sends a dangerous message of division to our adversaries at a time when American strength matters most,” said Congressman Harrigan. “The administration complied with the notification requirements under the War Powers Resolution, no sustained ground combat exists, and this was a limited, strategic action against a regime that has long targeted Americans and fought our interests abroad. To rush to constrain the Commander in Chief in the immediate aftermath of a successful, lawful operation weakens our deterrence, emboldens hostile regimes, and undermines our ability to protect the homeland and our troops.”

H. Con. Res. 38 would prematurely prohibit the President from continuing limited military operations despite clear statutory authority and compliance with existing law. Congressman Harrigan maintains that Congress should provide measured oversight, not reflexively tie the hands of commanders and commanders-in-chief in moments of heightened global tension.

“At a time when threats are elevated and when America must demonstrate resolve, we should be strengthening deterrence, uniting behind lawful action taken in America’s defense, and showing our adversaries that we act deliberately and with purpose. I voted no because protecting American lives and preserving credible strength abroad is not negotiable,” said Congressman Harrigan.