Episode 893: Congressman Pat Harrigan

Newt's World

Gingrich 360

News, Politics

4.7 • 6.3K Ratings

🗓️ 21 September 2025

⏱️ 28 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Newt talks with Congressman Pat Harrigan about his work in the U.S. House representing North Carolina’s tenth district. Harrigan discusses his journey from West Point to Afghanistan to serving in the United States House of Representatives. He shares insights into his first nine months in Congress, highlighting his unexpected influence as a freshman and his work on the House Armed Services Committee. He reflects on the impact of the Afghanistan troop withdrawal on his decision to enter politics. Harrigan criticizes the Biden administration's handling of international affairs, particularly the withdrawal from Afghanistan and its implications for global security. He emphasizes the importance of veteran representation in Congress and the need for fair trade practices to revitalize American manufacturing. Harrigan also discusses his efforts to support small businesses, and his legislative initiatives like the SkyFoundry Act to enhance U.S. drone production. He addresses national security concerns related to Chinese influence and advocates for the use of artificial intelligence to streamline military processes. Their conversation concludes with Harrigan warning against the dangers of political rhetoric and violence, urging a return to civil discourse.

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Transcript

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0:00.0	This is an IHeart podcast.
0:08.0	On this episode of New World, Congressman Pat Harrigan is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, a green beret, awarded two bronze stars for his military service and recognition of his leadership and effectiveness in combat.
0:22.6	He served two deployments in Afghanistan.
0:24.6	He is an entrepreneur and business owner, and he proudly serves the United States House representatives
0:29.6	as the congressman representing North Carolina's 10th district,
0:33.6	which includes parts of Winston-Salem, Statesville, and Hickory.
0:53.5	Pat, welcome and thank you for joining me in Newts World.
0:56.9	Mr. Speaker, thank you for having me. Great to be with you today.
1:03.7	I want to start with. You were sworn into the 119th U.S. Congress on January 3, 2025.
1:07.3	What of the first nine months of your tenure been like?
1:11.5	It's actually been very fast-paced. We've got a lot of problems in this country, and I will say that our leadership is very interested in layering solutions against those problems.
1:16.5	And so I've had a really terrific time up here, particularly as we use the first six months or so,
1:23.1	actually getting the reconciliation package across the finish line.
1:28.1	And I'll say the thing that really most surprised me through that process is that I had a lot
1:34.1	more influence on the process than I thought that I would as a freshman.
1:38.4	It was really surprising to me, something that has been really fulfilling.
1:41.9	And we've just been able to, through our committee work on
1:46.0	House Armed Services Committee as well as science, space, and technology, I think, really move
1:50.6	the ball forward on not just our national defense, but also the future technologies that are going to
1:55.1	predicate our market economy. It's been a ton of fun. I think you have an amazing background.
1:59.1	You attended Francis Parker School in San Diego. You went to West Point. You earned a ton of fun. I think you have an amazing background. You attended Francis Parker School in San Diego.
2:02.5	You went to West Point. You earned a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering. What was it like to be a West Point?
	...

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