FARGO, N.D. — North Dakota Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-N.D.) addressed escalating military actions in the Middle East, brushed off calls to debate her primary challenger, and touted a new bipartisan bill aimed at holding lawmakers financially accountable during government shutdowns on The Steve Hallstrom Show, Tuesday.
Fedorchak discussed the current U.S. military involvement in the Middle East, characterizing it as a military operation rather than a war. When asked at what point the conflict would require a formal stamp of approval from Congress, Fedorchak pointed to specific triggers.
“When you commit to boots on the ground in a country, that definitely takes it to a different level,” Fedorchak explained, noting that the length of the engagement is also a key factor. Fedorchak explained that the current situation is a military operation, noting that the President’s targeted efforts to disarm Iran of nuclear weapons align with a decades-old, bipartisan consensus in Washington.
The conversation also turned to local politics and the upcoming elections. A caller named Tom challenged Fedorchak on whether she would participate in an open, face-to-face debate with her primary opponent, Alex Balazs. Fedorchak firmly rejected the idea, citing a grueling congressional schedule that currently requires three full weeks in session. She further justified her refusal by stating that Balazs has not articulated any meaningful policy differences between the two of them.
Looking ahead to November, Fedorchak acknowledged projections suggesting Republicans might lose control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Calling the race a “50-50 toss-up” due to narrow margins, she warned that a Democratic majority would derail conservative legislative efforts. Should Democrats take the chamber, Fedorchak predicted they would spend the next two years attempting to impeach the President and launching investigations into his cabinet. Conversely, she hopes Republicans can maintain majorities in both chambers to advance their agenda on tax policy, spending reductions, energy, farm policy, and immigration reform.
Fedorchak also used the airwaves to advocate for the SAVE Act, a bill requiring proof of American citizenship—such as a real ID or passport—to vote in federal elections. She noted that while the measure has passed the House twice, it is currently being blocked by Senate Democrats.
On the legislative front, the Congresswoman highlighted a new bipartisan initiative she is co-leading alongside Representative Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.). The proposed legislation, backed by 20 freshman members of Congress, would halt congressional pay in the event of a government shutdown. Fedorchak argued it is common sense that Congress should share in the consequences of a budget failure.