Special to IFN
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Pat Harrigan was officially sworn in as a member of the 119th Congress to represent North Carolina’s Tenth District on Friday, January 3. During a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, he took the oath of office administered by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.
“It’s an honor to take the oath of office and serve the people of North Carolina’s Tenth District,” said Harrigan. “As a Green Beret, I’ve faced challenges that demanded focus, leadership, and results—principles I will bring to Washington every day. Our country faces serious threats abroad and growing challenges at home. My mission in Congress is clear: rebuild America’s strength, secure our borders, and fight for the hardworking families who make this nation great.”
Harrigan, a Republican who lives in Hickory, coasted to victory in the November 5 election after winning a highly contested GOP primary. He won won more than 57 percent of the vote, outpolling runner-up Ralph Scott by nearly 80,000 votes.
The 10th District stretches across Lincoln, Iredell, Catawba, Yadkin, and Forsyth counties.
Committee Assignments
Harrigan, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy with a degree in Nuclear Engineering, has been appointed to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. The committee oversees federal scientific research and development, with jurisdiction over key agencies including NASA, the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
“From advancing cutting-edge research to securing American leadership in space and energy, this committee is vital to our nation’s strength and economic future. I’m committed to ensuring America remains at the forefront of innovation, creating jobs, and protecting the values that make us great,” the freshman representative said.
Harrigan will also serve on the House Armed Services Committee to oversee national defense policy, military readiness, and U.S. security.
“I am thrilled to welcome Pat Harrigan to the House Armed Services Committee,” said Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL). “As a Green Beret, Pat bravely served our nation. As a member of the committee, I know he will continue to fight to strengthen our military and support our servicemembers. I look forward to getting to work.”
Among Harrigan’s priorities are modernizing defense strategies, strengthening domestic manufacturing to protect critical supply chains, and addressing evolving threats to ensure America’s dominance on the global stage.
Harrigan votes to pass Laken Riley Act
Harrigan voted on Tuesday to pass H.R. 29, the Laken Riley Act, which aims to secure the U.S. border and protect American families. Named for Laken Riley, a nursing student who was killed by an illegal immigrant with a history of criminal activity, this legislation requires the detention and deportation of undocumented individuals charged with theft or burglary.
“The Biden-Harris administration’s failure to enforce our immigration laws cost Laken Riley her life,” said Congressman Harrigan. “Her murderer, someone who never should have been in this country, exploited a broken system and destroyed a family. The Laken Riley Act is a promise to every American family that we will secure our borders, uphold the rule of law, and stop these preventable tragedies. Enough is enough.”