GOP Rep. Pat Harrigan Says 'Just Enough Not to Lose, but Not Enough to Win, Is Not OK' on Iran and Wants Congress Involved in the Next Step
The North Carolina Republican and Green Beret tells Fox News Digital the administration must choose between finishing the job and declaring its goals met. He says Trump should involve Congress if strikes resume.
A Republican on the House Armed Services Committee says the White House has a decision to make on Iran before it asks voters for more patience, Fox News reports.
The warning. Rep. Pat Harrigan, R-N.C., told Fox News Digital that "continuing to do just enough not to lose, but not enough to win, is not OK." He said he shares his constituents' frustration that the war is not over, and that the administration needed to wrap it up quickly. "That binary decision has to get made by this administration," he said.
Two options. Harrigan said the country either does what it takes to win or takes the three of five objectives he says have been met and declares the main goals achieved. He listed keeping Iran from a nuclear weapon and wiping out its missile and drone production among what has been accomplished. Even then, he said, the U.S. would need long-term monitoring of Iran's nuclear program and would "have to mow the lawn every now and again."
Congress. Harrigan said Trump "needs to involve Congress" if he chooses to renew military action. He pointed out that Congress controls the money, and that if funding runs out before the objectives are met, "that is not good for our strategic interests."
The backdrop. Fox notes that Vice President JD Vance said at a Fox News town hall Thursday that "Donald Trump is not going to let Iran become a forever war." Official and military sources also told Fox this week that forces are moving in the Middle East to give the president options if he decides to resume strikes.
The race. Harrigan is a Green Beret and businessman running for re-election Tuesday in North Carolina's 10th District. He faces Democrat Ashley Bell and Libertarian Steve Feldman. He told Fox there is "no question" the House majority is at stake and framed the vote as a choice between moving forward and a Democratic House that would be "obstructionist." He also raised the prospect of impeachment if Democrats win control.
Note for readers: these are one congressman's views, offered to a friendly outlet days before an election. Fox does not report any White House reply.