Congressman Pat Harrigan of North Carolina’s 10th District released a statement following the federal government shutdown, attributing responsibility to Democrats. According to Harrigan, “Tonight, Democrats shut down the government because Republicans refused to hand them $1.5 trillion in new partisan spending.”
He stated that House Republicans passed a measure intended to maintain government operations and protect key groups. “House Republicans did our job. We passed a clean, responsible measure to keep the lights on, protect veterans and seniors, and allow the budget process to move forward. What Democrats demanded instead was a ransom note disguised as a funding bill—stuffed with giveaways for illegal immigrants, bailouts for Biden’s failed health care policies, and cuts to rural hospitals in North Carolina and across the country,” said Harrigan.
Harrigan criticized what he described as political brinksmanship: “This is not governing. It is political brinksmanship at the expense of American families, our troops, and our economy. Every paycheck missed, every service delayed, and every family harmed by this shutdown is the direct result of Democrats putting their radical priorities ahead of the nation’s most basic responsibilities.”
He emphasized his commitment to his constituents in North Carolina: “I came to Congress to fight for North Carolina families, not bankroll Washington games. Republicans will stay at the table ready to reopen the government with a clean resolution. It’s time for Senate Democrats to do their jobs.”
In 2024, Pat Harrigan won re-election against Ralph R. Scott, Jr., receiving 57.5% of the vote compared to Scott’s 38.2%.
