Congressman Pat Harrigan Statement on His Vote Against the War Powers Resolution
Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) released the following statement after voting against H. Con. Res. 75, a War Powers Resolution directing the President to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran:
“I’m voting against this resolution because forcing a withdrawal without a defined strategy, without serious congressional deliberation, and without a clear understanding of the consequences is not responsible leadership.
But let me be clear about what this vote is not. It is not a blank check, and it is not an endorsement of continued action without congressional involvement.
Iran is a terrorist regime that has spent decades funding proxy groups, destabilizing the Middle East, targeting Americans, and threatening our allies. President Trump was right to respond with strength and reestablish deterrence.
But strength without clarity can become drift, and I have seen firsthand what happens when conflicts lose defined objectives and accountability. War is not theoretical to me. I fought in one where missions expanded, timelines disappeared, and American servicemembers carried the physical and psychological burdens of political decisions made far from the battlefield, and I will not allow that to happen again to the next generation.
Over the past month, I have been in direct contact with administration officials communicating my concerns, pressing for a clear status of negotiations, stronger congressional engagement, and assurances that America will not slide into another endless conflict. Those conversations matter, and they are ongoing.
My frustration is not with decisive action against a hostile regime. My frustration is with the lack of timely consultation and clarity from the administration about the long-term path forward. Congress and the American people deserve a clear vision of the way ahead, and the administration’s plan of turning tactical success into strategic victory.
America must remain strong. Our enemies must fear us. But the American people and the men and women we send into harm’s way deserve seriousness, accountability, and a clearly defined path forward.
That is what I will work to secure.”