{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"MD\" and year = 2022 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/gop-doctors-caucus-leads-letter-urging-solutions-impending-medicare-payment", "GOP Doctors Caucus Leads Letter Urging Solutions to Impending Medicare Payment Cuts to Providers", "2022-12-15", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Today, the House GOP Doctors Caucus led a letter to House leadership urging their support for addressing impending Medicare payment cuts to health care providers in end-of-year legislation. The letter, signed by 83 Republican House Members, stresses the need for short and long-term solutions.\n\nThe members write, \u201cHealth care providers are facing unprecedented burnout and turnover emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, a major concern of the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy. We are concerned that severe, impending reductions to Medicare payments will result in hiring freezes, elimination of services provided to seniors, and decreased patient access to health care services, especially following a year of record high inflation.\u201d\n\nThe letter continues: \u201cWe appreciate the work Congress has historically done to alleviate cuts for providers and recognize that Congress must again act before the end of the year to address looming cuts.\"\n\nStatement from the co-chairs:\n\n\u201cHealth care providers, particularly those serving rural and underserved communities, are often heavily reliant on Medicare payments to keep their lights on and doors open. Congress must act. We are committed to responsibly addressing these payment cuts before the end of the year and look forward to working on a long-term solution in the next Congress.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\nThe Members who signed the letter are: Reps. Brad Wenstrup (OH-02), Michael Burgess (TX-26), Andy Harris (MD-01), Greg Murphy (NC-03), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Neal Dunn (FL-02), Jefferson Van Drew (NJ-02), Mike Simpson (ID-02), Brian Babin (TX-36), Drew Ferguson (GA-03), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Larry Bucshon (IN-08), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02), John Joyce (PA-13), Paul Gosar (AZ-04), Mark Green (TN-07), Scott DesJarlais (TN-04), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Ron Estes (KS-04), Mike Bost (IL-12), Bill Johnson (OH-06), John Rose (TN-06), Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03), Greg Pence (IN-06), Fred Upton (MI-06), Sam Graves (MO-06), Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03), John Carter (TX-31), Glenn Thompson (PA-15), Julia Letlow (LA-05), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Michelle Steel (CA-48), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Richard Hudson (NC-08), Lance Gooden (TX-05), Mark Amodei (NV-02), Kat Cammack (FL-03), Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), Troy Balderson (OH-12), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Jay Obernolte (CA-08), Mayra Flores (TX-34), Debbie Lesko (AZ-08), Bob Latta (OH-05), Tom Emmer (MN-06), Kelly Armstrong (ND-AL), Dave Kustoff (TN-08), Rick Allen (GA-12), Mary Miller (IL-15), Austin Scott (GA-08), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Jake LaTurner (KS-02), Michael Guest (MS-03), Pat Fallon (TX-04), David Valadao (CA-21), John Rutherford (FL-04), Tim Walberg (MI-07), Cliff Bentz (OR-02), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Rick Crawford (AR-01), John Moolenaar (MI-04), Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon (PR-AL), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Tim Burchett (TN-02), Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), David McKinley (WV-01), Bill Posey (FL-08), Chris Smith (NJ-04), Mike Carey (OH-15), Pete Sessions (TX-17), Doug Lamborn (CO-05).\n\nMore than 160 national and state medical and health care organizations support Congressional action to halt Medicare Payment Cuts, including:\n\nThe American Medical Association, The American Medical Group Association, The American College of Surgeons, The American College of Emergency Physicians, and The American Health Care Association.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/gop-doctors-caucus-welcomes-rep-greg-murphy-md-new-co-chair-thanks-rep-andy", "GOP Doctors Caucus Welcomes Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D., as a new Co-Chair, Thanks Rep. Andy Harris, M.D., For His Service to the Caucus", "2022-12-09", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - This week, the GOP Doctors Caucus elected Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. as a new Co-Chair for the 118th Congress. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. will complete his 4 year term at the end of the 117th Congress. Congressman Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. and Congressman Michael Burgess, M.D. will remain as Co-Chairs in the 118th Congress.\n\n\"As a practicing surgeon of more than 30 years, it\u2019s a true honor to have the opportunity to serve as co-chair of the GOP Doctors Caucus,\"said Congressman Murphy, M.D. \"It\u2019s critical that physicians have a seat at the table as we work to enact meaningful patient-focused health care policy in America. I look forward to co-leading our GOP Doctors Caucus colleagues to improve our health care system, lower costs, and increase patient access to quality, affordable care.\"\n\n\"It was an honor serving as Co-Chair of the Doctors Caucus. I know Dr. Murphy will be an excellent addition as we move to the next Congress and address the many issues confronting physicians, providers, and patients,\" said Congressman Harris, M.D.\n\n\"I want to thank Dr. Harris for having worked diligently with Dr. Burgess and me as Co-Chairs and I look forward to having Dr. Murphy fill that role. The Doctors Caucus will continue working to utilize our diverse medical backgrounds to develop patient centered health policy, lower drug prices, empower patients to access the latest innovations and treatments, and enhance the physician-patient relationship,\" said Congressman Wenstrup, D.P.M. \"I have had the privilege to serve in the GOP Doctors Caucus since I came to Congress and I am looking forward to continuing my service as a Co-Chair in the 118th Congress.\"\n\n\"The Doctors Caucus provides crucial insight into America\u2019s health policy. It has been an honor to serve as co-chair for the past 2 years and I look forward to serving my fellow doctors again next Congress. Congratulations to my friend, Dr. Murphy who will serve as a co-chair in the 118th Congress. I look forward to the leadership and insight he will bring to the caucus. I want to thank Dr. Harris for his service as co-chair of our caucus and am grateful that he will continue to be a leading voice in the caucus and in health policy moving forward,\"said Congressman Burgess, M.D.\n\nBackground:\n\nRep. Greg Murphy, M.D. is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and a practicing urological surgeon of more than 30 years. When he is not serving his constituents in Washington, D.C., Dr. Murphy still sees patients a few times a month at Vidant Medical Center, a 1,000-bed level 1 Trauma Center serving 29 counties in Eastern North Carolina.\n\nBefore entering public office, he served for three years as Chief of Staff of the Vidant Medical Center. Dr. Murphy has traveled extensively as a medical missionary over the last 35 years to Third World Countries including India, several parts of Africa, Nicaragua, and Haiti to care for at-risk patients in times of need.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-maternal-and-child-home-visiting-reauthorization-act-2022", "Statement On Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022", "2022-12-05", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Harris Statement on the Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022\n\n\"No matter how well-intentioned this program may be, it is a bad idea to fund this program with a half a billion dollars for the next five years, and tying our hands in dealing with our $1 trillion budget deficit that is causing run away inflation. Furthermore, there is no need to provide additional federal matching funding in this program while the federal government is running a $1 trillion deficit and state governments are generally flush with cash.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-statement-passage-medical-marijuana-and-cannabidiol-research-expansion", "Harris Statement on the Passage of the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act", "2022-11-17", "2022", "2022-11", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), Acting Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee issued the following statement in response to the passage of the bipartisan Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research ExpansionAct. This bill was originally introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Earl Blumenthal (D-OR) and Congressman Andy Harris (R-MD) for the purpose of facilitating rigorous research on marijuana and its potential benefits by removing existing barriers that slow the research process. The Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research ExpansionAct also allows approved institutions of higher education, practitioners, and manufacturers to manufacture, distribute, dispense, and possess marijuana and cannabidiol if it is done for purposes of medical research and drug development. This bill will modernize current research methods, bringing medical marijuana up to the scientific standard we use for every other type of medication that is sold as a drug in this country. The Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research ExpansionAct was introduced in the Senate by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Brian Schatz (D-HI). In July, this bill was passed in the House of Representatives by a 325-95 vote.\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following the statement:\n\n\u201cAs a physician who has conducted NIH-sponsored research, I am pleased that this bill has finally passed and that scientists will be able to research what medical marijuana can and cannot do. While there is evidence to suggest that medical marijuana may be beneficial in the treatment of some diseases like glaucoma and epilepsy, only scientific research will prove the veracity of the many claims regarding efficacy for other diseases. Despite lacking much scientific research, over three dozen states have already legalized medical marijuana, and the American public deserves to know the effect modern marijuana has on the human body. While I support additional research for the use of medical marijuana, my position on recreational marijuana remains the same \u2013 I categorically oppose it.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-statement-usda-grant-christiana-health-care-services-cecil-maryland", "Harris Statement on USDA Grant to Christiana Health Care Services in Cecil, Maryland.", "2022-11-17", "2022", "2022-11", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), Acting Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee, is pleased to announce that the USDA issued a Rural Development grant in the amount of $584,800 to Christiana Health Care Services in Cecil, Maryland. ChristianaCare Union Hospital is a not-for-profit full-service hospital that serves the community by providing expert, effective, and affordable care to local residents. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ChristianaCare quickly bought additional resources including labor, lab equipment, equipment for vaccines, ventilators, and testing supplies that would enable them to quickly respond to the increased patient volume in its facility. This Rural Development grant will help to reimburse ChristianaCare for these initial costs as well as allow them to continue providing life-saving care to First District residents.\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following the statement:\n\n\u201cI am pleased to see the USDA award this grant to one of our Upper Shore hospitals. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ChristianaCare stepped up to meet the needs of our community. This grant will go a long way to backfill COVID-19 related expenses and will empower the hospital to continue to be fully equipped to meet patients\u2019 needs.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-statement-baltimore-mayors-plan-pay-criminals", "Harris Statement on Baltimore Mayor\u2019s Plan to Pay Criminals", "2022-11-10", "2022", "2022-11", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD), Acting Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee, issued the following statement on Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott\u2019s plan to pay squeegee kids to stop their criminal activity. Today, details of the mayor\u2019s \u201cSqueegee Collaborative Plan\u201d were announced showing a shocking guaranteed income program for squeegee kids if they follow a \u201ccode of conduct to regulate themselves.\u201d Crime has increased dramatically in Baltimore, including criminal activity related to squeegee kids, with many of the cases involving terrorizing drivers, passengers, and residents. Last week, it was reported that three squeegee kids were arrested for stealing a phone at an intersection and then transferring large sums of money from the victim to themselves via a cash app scam. This comes on the heels of reports of several attempted murder and assault cases involving squeegee kids in Baltimore City.\n\nStatement from Congressman Harris:\n\n\u201cNow we know why the mayor delayed his announcement until after the election--because Democrats plan to reward criminal behavior with hard-earned taxpayer dollars. Being in the new majority on the House Appropriations committee, I\u2019ll do everything in my power to make sure that not a single federal dime goes to this program that rewards criminal activity. Clearly, Baltimore City has too much money on its hands as a result of the wasteful spending bills passed by the Biden Administration and the Pelosi House majority. We will never be able to restore law and order if we reward criminal activity \u2013 whether it\u2019s on the streets of Baltimore or at the open southern border. Shamefully, Baltimore leadership not only defunds and demoralizes the police, but they are now starting to reward criminal activity with hard-earned taxpayer dollars.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-statement-usda-grant-queen-annes-county", "Harris Statement on USDA Grant To Queen Anne\u2019s County", "2022-11-10", "2022", "2022-11", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD), Acting Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved a $73,000 Rural Development grant for the implementation of the \"Where Shore Living Begins\" program adopted by Queen Anne's County in July 2021 and created byeconomic development director, Heather Tinelli. This grant money will specifically be used to encourage and assist 27 small businesses in the region through local investment.\n\nStatement from Congressman Harris:\n\n\u201cWith over 1,400 in Queen Anne\u2019s County, small businesses are a central component to economic development, and I am pleased to see that the USDA is funding a local program that supports them. It is projected that the full implementation of this program will create 150 jobs in the region which is especially helpful at a time when inflation and supply chain issues challenge the growth of local businesses. I look forward to seeing this grant money put to good use.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-statement-usda-grant-rock-hall-volunteer-fire-company-inc", "Harris Statement on USDA Grant To Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company, Inc", "2022-11-10", "2022", "2022-11", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD), Acting Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee, announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a $112,500 Rural Development investment grant to Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company, Inc (RCVFC) for the purchase of a 36-foot Aluminum Fire and Safety Rescue Vessel. Presently, Rock Hall is relying on the available equipment of nearby counties such as the Kent Island fireboat which travels nearly 15 miles (30 minutes) to assist with fires. The purchase of this fire boat will greatly assist in protecting the residents and infrastructure of Rock Hall.\n\nStatement from Congressman Harris:\n\n\u201cBecause the Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company serves several small and surrounding towns as the \u201cfirst call\u201d to many fire and medical related emergencies, it is imperative that they have their own updated equipment. Last year alone, it was estimated that the RHVFC responded to over 200 fire and/or rescue calls in the community as well as more than 500 emergency medical related calls. This level of critical community need certainly warrants this rural investment funding, and I am confident this fire boat will improve the overall public safety of the Rock Hall residents.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-statement-usda-grant-town-pittsvilles-law-enforcement-department", "Harris Statement on USDA Grant To the Town of Pittsville's Law Enforcement Department", "2022-11-10", "2022", "2022-11", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD), Acting Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee, announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a $33,600 Rural Development investment grant to fund the purchase of two 2022 vehicles for the Town of Pittsville's Law Enforcement Department. The two vehicles currently in-use are in need of constant repairs and have accumulated over 100,000 miles. This purchase will also include additional equipment to support the health and safety of both the officers and passengers.\n\nStatement from Congressman Harris:\n\n\u201cThe work police officers do is vital to the safety and well-being of our communities, and it is highly important that they have the resources needed to do their jobs safely. Any amount of time lost due to outdated and malfunctioning equipment during emergency calls could result in life threatening consequences. For this reason, I am pleased to see that the USDA issued this grant to the town of Pittsville Law Enforcement Department and know that this money will be put to good use.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-harris-submits-comment-noaa", "Congressman Harris Submits Comment to NOAA", "2022-11-02", "2022", "2022-11", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Seeking to highlight the devastating economic impacts of NOAA\u2019s proposed North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule, Congressman Harris submitted his opposition to NOAA\u2019s proposed rule on Monday through its public comment engagement.In his comment, Congressman Harris called on NOAA to pause or considerably extend the rulemaking process to properly engage with impacted stakeholders. If enacted, this proposal would impact nearly 16,000 vessels throughout the Eastern Seaboard, resulting in hundreds of thousands of additional transit hours annually. It would also cost tens of millions of dollars more per year to consumers and impacted industry stakeholders despite any concrete scientific evidence linking the proposed speed reduction to a decline in right whale mortality. At a recent meeting in Ocean City, Congressman Harris listened to concerned watermen who expressed that while preserving the North Atlantic Right Whales are an important environmental concern, the consequences of the proposed 10 knot speed reduction on the local boating industry would be severe.\n\nStatement from Congressman Harris:\n\n\"Boating is a recreational and commercial way of life for thousands of my constituents and I will always question the need for more government regulation, especially if it harms our First District economy.\u201d\n\nA copy of the comment can be read here", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-newhouse-harris-lead-oversight-inquiry-partnerships-climate-smart", "Chairman Newhouse, Harris Lead Oversight Inquiry on Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot", "2022-11-01", "2022", "2022-11", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) and House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee Ranking Member Andy Harris (MD-01) led 10 Members in a letter to the Biden Administration regarding the recently announced Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities pilot program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded $2.8 billion in funding from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) for the pilot program with plans for an expected second tranche that would bring total funding for 2022 to $3.5 billion.\n\nIn the letter, Members express concerns about the program, which was created with no direction from Congress, and ask a series of questions about how USDA created the program, weighed submitted proposals, and intends to ensure the federal funding does not displace private sector investments.\n\n\u201cWe are dismayed by the lack of transparency and congressional consultation throughout the development of this process,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cIn no way can $3.5 billion be considered a \u2018pilot program,\u2019 and there must be direct congressional involvement before a program of this magnitude is implemented.\u201d\n\nThey continued, \u201cWhile we are sure there are a number of projects worthy of being funded, this $3.5 billion is largely going to partner organizations rather than going directly to aid farmers or ranchers in this difficult farm economy when many are struggling with rising input costs, drought, and an ongoing supply chain crisis.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Vilsack,\n\nWe write regarding your September 14, 2022, announcement that USDA awarded $2.8 billion in funding from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities with plans for an expected second tranche that would bring total funding for this program to $3.5 billion in 2022 alone. We are dismayed at the lack of transparency and congressional consultation throughout the development of this process. In no way can $3.5 billion dollars be considered a \u201cpilot program,\u201d and there must be direct congressional involvement before a program of this magnitude is implemented.\n\nWhile we are sure there are a number of projects worthy of being funded, this $3.5 billion is largely going to partner organization rather than going directly to aid farmers or ranchers in this difficult farm economy when many are struggling with rising input costs, drought, and an ongoing supply chain crisis. Rather, this $3.5 billion is being allocated to partner organizations with no direction or oversight from Congress. The findings from these projects may help farmers and ranchers years down the road \u2013 USDA itself acknowledged in its press release that it is only a \u201cpotential for meaningful opportunities to benefit producers\u201d \u2013 but to spend $3.5 billion of taxpayer dollars on a potential benefit without congressional involvement is unacceptable. USDA\u2019s unilateral move has raised questions about current and future congressional oversight of CCC funding.\n\nGiven the lack of input and direction from Congress on this pilot program, please provide answers to the following questions:\n\nHow does USDA define a \u201cpilot program\u201d? At what level of funding does a program exceed the definition of a pilot program?\n\nHow did USDA weigh the submitted proposals to ensure that this funding would most directly assist farmers?\n\nWhat is USDA doing to ensure that this funding is not displacing private sector funding that would have otherwise been invested in similar projects if there were not federal funding available?\n\nHow many of the projects that USDA approved are going to private sector businesses (or have businesses as major partners) that made pledges to their shareholders to invest in similar projects?\n\nWhat discussions were had, if any, with those businesses to ensure that they would provide matching funds or continue their own projects?\n\nHow much in total are those businesses providing in matching funds?", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/relaying-constituent-concerns-marylands-full-congressional-delegation-asks-end", "Relaying Constituent Concerns, Maryland\u2019s Full Congressional Delegation Asks for an End to Troubling Issues with Routine Immigration Services in Baltimore", "2022-10-24", "2022", "2022-10", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, Anthony Brown, Jamie Raskin and David Trone Thursday wrote to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Baltimore District Director Greg Collett urging him to address concerning trends in the delivery of routine services at the USCIS Baltimore Field Office. The lack of responsiveness from the USCIS Baltimore Field Office \u201cfrustrates our constituents and leaves them with an upsetting lack of information about decisions that are fundamental to their livelihoods,\u201d the delegation said.\n\n\u201cWe recognize that the past few years have been particularly challenging for USCIS nationwide,\u201d the delegation wrote to Collett. However, there are \u201csignificant delays in processing numerous immigration benefits adjudicated by the USCIS Baltimore Field Office, such as family, employment and asylum-based I-485 applications, I-130 petitions, and I-751 applications \u2026 public data suggests that the USCIS Baltimore Field Office\u2019s processing times lag considerably behind most other field offices across the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cThese delays have real, devastating consequences on the lives of individuals, families, and employers in Maryland. Delayed processing times negatively affect our constituents\u2019 employment and financial welfare. Marylanders are regularly denied promotions, transfers, or growth opportunities because they have not yet received the benefits for which they applied. Delays create financial and emotional stress for the families and communities of applicants.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers urge the Baltimore District Director to improve services and communication with the public and Congress.\n\nThe full letter to USCIS Baltimore follows and can be found at this linkand below.\n\nDear Director Collett,\n\nAs members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation, we write to you in your capacity as District Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Baltimore Field Office (USCIS Baltimore Field Office) with regard to the office\u2019s average service times and responsiveness. Declines on both fronts in recent years are negatively affecting the people of Maryland, and we are concerned that processing times for the critical services the office provides lag significantly behind other comparable field offices across the country. We are committed to understanding the issues facing the USCIS Baltimore Field Office and working with you to better assist the constituents we serve.\n\nWe recognize that the past few years have been particularly challenging for USCIS nationwide. The agency has had to work through considerable changes in policies and priorities while also dealing with the implications of COVID-19 and managing increases in application receipting and humanitarian-based needs. During public meetings and congressional briefings, the agency has cited staffing and attrition as a leading challenge. We appreciate that USCIS Director Ur Jaddou has made it a priority to reduce application processing times and backlogs.\n\nThere are significant delays in processing numerous immigration benefits adjudicated by the USCIS Baltimore Field Office, such as family, employment and asylum-based I-485 applications, I-130 petitions, and I-751 applications. We applaud USCIS\u2019s effort to redistribute the workload of I-485s nationally across field offices to create more uniform processing times for employment-based I-485 applications. However, public data suggests that the USCIS Baltimore Field Office\u2019s processing times lag considerably behind most other field offices across the country. Despite the aforementioned progress on employment-based I-485s, the USCIS Baltimore Field Office is currently processing most such applications in 31.5 months compared to 20 months in the Chicago field office and 19.5 months in the Los Angeles field offices. Additionally, the processing time for family-based I-485s is 34.5 months, compared to 15.5 months in Chicago and 18.5 months in Los Angeles.\n\nThese delays have real, devastating consequences on the lives of individuals, families, and employers in Maryland. Delayed processing times negatively affect our constituents\u2019 employment and financial welfare. Marylanders are regularly denied promotions, transfers, or growth opportunities because they have not yet received the benefits for which they applied. Delays create financial and emotional stress for the families and communities of applicants.\n\nA related concern is the deterioration of the USCIS Baltimore Field Office\u2019s responsiveness to our constituents and their advocates. This trend pre-dated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic but has certainly increased during that time period. Responses to constituents and their advocates come slower, if they come at all. When provided, responses are generic and do not respond substantively to the situation presented. We are especially concerned about responsiveness to emergencies. Our offices are often contacted by constituents experiencing life-or-death emergencies with immediate need for travel authorization. These constituents contact USCIS\u2019s National Call Center and are advised to await a phone call from the local field office; a call that they never receive.\n\nThese conditions have caused an increasing number of applicants to seek assistance from our congressional staffs, who themselves report decreased responsiveness from the USCIS Baltimore Field Office. Congressional staff often need to contact agency staff by phone to discuss sensitive cases or time-sensitive matters, but their calls are frequently not answered or returned. Further, USCIS Baltimore Field Office staff previously provided a substantive, unique explanation of reasons for delays when a case exceeded normal processing times. That information helped provide context to constituents, aid their understanding as to the status of their application(s), and mitigate concerns, follow-up questions, and repeat inquiries on the same topic. However, our staff now often receive only a generic or form response in such cases. This lack of meaningful engagement frustrates our constituents and leaves them with an upsetting lack of information about decisions that are fundamental to their livelihoods. It also restricts the ability of our staff to serve their important role of prioritizing cases, identifying procedural errors, and educating the public about their rights under our laws and regulations.\n\nAs Maryland\u2019s Congressional delegation, we value our long history of collaboration with your office to best serve our constituents. We look forward to working together to reverse recent trends. Toward that end, we respectfully request that the USCIS Baltimore Field Office implement the steps below. We ask that you respond to the following questions and requests in writing by November 21, 2022.\n\nWhat issues, aside from staffing, are causing these delays? What, if any congressional action is needed to address them?\n\nDevelop and share a clear and date-specific plan for improving processing times to at least the level of field offices in comparable metropolitan centers. Please address the specific plans for all types of I-485s, I-130, and I-751 applications.\n\nSchedule quarterly Congressional meetings with USCIS Baltimore Field Office leadership.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:34:28Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-harris-take-questions-media-after-ocean-city-meeting-watermen", "Congressman Harris to Take Questions from the Media After Ocean City Meeting with Watermen to Discuss Proposed 10-Knot Speed Rule Change", "2022-10-20", "2022", "2022-10", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: In a meeting this Thursday in Ocean City, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD) will meet with local commercial fishing and boating industries who have expressed their urgent concerns about NOAA\u2019s proposed North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule. The National Marine Fisheries Service, a branch of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is proposing a federal rule that would expand the current 10 knot speed restrictions on boats 65 feet and longer to include all boats 35 feet and longer. The rule would also expand the speed restriction zone from just discrete Right Whale calving areas to the entire East Coast from Massachusetts to Florida. Implementation of the rule would cause major economic harm to the boating and fishing industry, costing Maryland coastal cities like Ocean City tens of millions of dollars in revenue should it be forced to cancel one of the East Coast\u2019s largest billfish tournaments. This rule would also have a devastating economic impact to the local economies especially at a time when towns and small businesses are still recovering from the economic losses of the Pandemic. On Thursday, October 20th, Congressman Andy Harris will meet with local watermen and leaders to address this issue. Journalists interested in asking questions after the event can RSVP to Anna.A@mail.house.gov\n\nWhat: Congressman Andy Harris to take questions from media after meeting with watermen addressing NOAA 10 Knot speed restriction proposed rule change.\n\nWhen: Thursday, October 20th @ 2:15pm\n\nWhere: Sunset Grille; 12933 Sunset Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:34:28Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-cardin-and-van-hollen-joint-statement-usda-grant-minarys-dream-0", "Harris, Cardin, and Van Hollen Joint Statement on USDA Grant to Minary's Dream Alliance's 'Feed the Elderly' Food Program", "2022-10-18", "2022", "2022-10", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD), Acting Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee along with Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved a $374,900 grant for Minary's Dream Alliance\u2019s 'Feed the Elderly' food distribution program, which provides weekly deliveries of produce and shelf-stable items to senior low-income residents of Kent County, Maryland. The funds will help the Alliance employ five part-time staff, as well as purchase food and packaging supplies, equipment, and cover travel expenses. The 'Feed the Elderly' program was established during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide food distribution services. Minary's Dream Alliance serves approximately 50 percent of the Kent County senior population living in poverty. Kent County has pledged funding to support this program through the next three years.\n\nJoint Statement from Congressman Harris and Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen:\n\n\u201cFor two years, Minary\u2019s Dream Alliance has dedicated their time to transforming the lives of rural senior citizens. These funds will help ensure they have access to the food and staff they needto care for both the low-income and homebound seniors that they serve. We are proud to support this vital funding to help Minary\u2019s Dream Alliance continue their important mission, and we will continue working to provide Maryland seniors with the services they need.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:20:33Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-statement-usda-grant-crisfields-law-enforcement-department", "Harris Statement on USDA Grant To Crisfield's Law Enforcement Department", "2022-10-18", "2022", "2022-10", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD), Acting Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved a $50,000 grant for the purchase two hybrid Ford Interceptors for Crisfield's Law Enforcement Department. This purchase will include additional equipment outfitted on these vehicles. These will replace vehicles currently in use that are more than a decade old and have some major safety issues, including transmission issues, engine trouble, hanging wires, and rust throughout their undercarriages. The city of Crisfield requested this funding to replace its old vehicles with safer, more fuel-efficient vehicles.\n\nStatement from Congressman Harris:\n\n\u201cI am pleased to see that this USDA grant will fund the needs of our local police department. Our law enforcement officers confront dangerous situations daily and we must ensure they have reliable equipment to continue protecting and serving our communities. I look forward to seeing this money put to good use.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:20:33Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-issues-statement-additional-h-2b-visas", "Harris Issues Statement on Additional H-2B Visas", "2022-10-12", "2022", "2022-10", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD), Acting Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee is pleased to announce that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will be issuing a regulation that will make available to employers an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for fiscal year (FY) 2023, on top of the 66,000 H-2B visas that are normally available each fiscal year. The H-2B program permits employers to temporarily hire noncitizens to perform nonagricultural labor or services in the United States. The employment must be of a temporary nature, such as a one-time occurrence, seasonal need, or intermittent need. Employers seeking H-2B workers must take a series of steps to test the U.S. labor market. They must also certify in their petitions that there are not enough U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available to perform the temporary work for which they seek a prospective foreign worker. In addition, employers must certify that employing H-2B workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cThis announcement is welcome news for the many businesses across Maryland\u2019s 1st District. The release of these additional visas will help many businesses in my district that rely on seasonal workers for the economic development of their operation. This announcement is also a direct result of the Harris/Pingree Appropriations amendment that allowed the DHS to release more workers based on their discretion. Despite this welcome news, this announcement should serve as a reminder as to why Congress should act quickly on the Returning Workers Exception Act that Rep. Cuellar (D-TX) and I put forward to permanently fix this annual labor problem.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:20:33Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-cardin-and-van-hollen-joint-statement-usda-grant-smith-island", "Harris, Cardin, and Van Hollen Joint Statement on USDA Grant to Smith Island Wastewater Infrastructure Project", "2022-10-07", "2022", "2022-10", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD), Acting Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee along with Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chair of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), a member of the Appropriations Interior and Environment Subcommittee, announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved a $1,611,000.00 grant for the Smith Island Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Improvements project. This grant funding will specifically be used to provide an enhanced nutrient removal system for the entire island by replacing all the degraded equipment with updated, more efficient, and clean equipment. Funding for this project will also be used to eliminate unsanitary sewer discharges into the Tangier Sound and Chesapeake Bay. The completion of this project will benefit both the environment and the population of Smith Island as it will increase climate and coastal resiliency and increase assurance of access to sanitary sewer services for the island residents and businesses.\n\nJoint Statement from Congressman Harris and Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen:\n\n\u201cThis is a sizable investment in modernizing Smith Island\u2019s wastewater infrastructure. Newer and more efficient sanitation equipment will protect the public health of the Island residents while keeping pollution out of the Chesapeake Bay. As the last remaining offshore inhabited island in Maryland, Smith Island has deep cultural roots on the Eastern Shore and this grant money will ensure that all residents and businesses have access to the clean water they deserve.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:20:33Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressional-ukraine-caucus-statement-russias-illegal-annexation-ukraines", "Congressional Ukraine Caucus Statement on Russia\u2019s Illegal Annexation of Ukraine\u2019s Territory", "2022-09-30", "2022", "2022-09", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus \u2013 Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), and Andy Harris (R-MD) \u2013 released the following statement on Russia\u2019s illegal annexation of Ukraine\u2019s territory.\n\n\u201cThe United States and the community of free nations the world around staunchly reject Vladimir Putin\u2019s bogus assertions to Ukraine\u2019s sovereign territory. Russia\u2019s sham and illegal referendums do nothing to alter the reality that Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk, and Donetsk are and will forever remain part of Ukraine.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-writes-letter-psc-urging-them-use-budget-surplus-approving-rate-hikes", "Harris Writes Letter to PSC Urging Them to Use Budget Surplus Before Approving Rate Hikes", "2022-09-27", "2022", "2022-09", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), Acting Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee wrote a letter to the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding Delmarva Power & Light\u2019s (DP&L) recently announced and proposed increases to their utility rates. DP&L serves approximately 208,000 residents in Maryland's First Congressional District and these proposed increases would cost constituents hundreds of dollars each year. As the letter notes, in the last two years, Maryland has received billions of dollars in emergency federal assistance and is slated to receive billions more, including nearly $8 billion for infrastructure. Through the receipt of these funds and through increased tax returns, the State of Maryland has also run a nearly $2 billion surplus.\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following the statement:\n\n\"As people are struggling with the burden of runaway inflation and a plummeting stock market, it would be incredibly unfortunate to pass along these expenses to hard-working consumers when there is a common-sense, alternative solution. Combating residents\u2019 increasing costs begins by spending wisely, and so, in no uncertain terms, I urge the Commission to first utilize any unspent federal or budget surplus dollars before approving any rate hikes.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-announces-dhhs-grant-lower-shore-clinic-inc", "Harris Announces DHHS Grant To Lower Shore Clinic, Inc", "2022-09-22", "2022", "2022-09", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), Member of the House Appropriations Committee\u2019s Labor, Health, and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, is pleased to announce that the Department of Health and Human Services will be announcing a Congressional Mental Health & Substance Abuse Service Grant in the amount of $1,000,000 to the Lower Shore Clinic, Inc in Salisbury, Maryland. The Lower Shore Clinic, Inc has proposed to expand its service provision as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center and this grant money will go towards fulfilling that goal.\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following the statement:\n\n\u201cAs a physician, I am very pleased to hear that the Department of Health and Human Services is awarding the Lower Shore Clinic with this sizable grant. For decades, the Lower Shore Clinic has provided effective and highly accessible healthcare to Eastern Shore residents. This grant will allow them not only to continue their important work, but also to expand the services they offer. This investment in interventions for substance abuse and mental health comes at a pivotal time and I look forward to seeing this money put to good use.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-announces-us-department-education-grant-chesapeake-college", "Harris Announces U.S. Department of Education Grant to Chesapeake College", "2022-09-22", "2022", "2022-09", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), Member of the Labor, Health, and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee on Appropriations, is pleased to announce that Chesapeake College has been selected to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Education under the Upward Bound program. The Upward Bound program provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.Chesapeake College has been awarded a grand total of $287,537.00 through this program.\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following the statement:\n\n\u201cI am very pleased to hear that the Department of Education has awarded Chesapeake College with grant money through their Upward Bound program. As a two-year regional institution, Chesapeake College serves many Eastern Shore students in Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne\u2019s, and Talbot counties. This grant will assist high-school students from low-income families pursue postsecondary education, which is especially helpful in a struggling economy.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-harris-joins-protect-kids-caucus", "Congressman Harris Joins Protect Kids Caucus", "2022-09-21", "2022", "2022-09", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), the Acting Ranking Member of House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee is pleased to announce that he has joined Congresswoman Debbie Lesko\u2019s Protect Kids Caucus (PKC). The purpose and mission of this caucus is to promote policies and practices that protect children from sexualization in schools, health care, government programs, and online. The Protect Kids Caucus also provides a platform for experts and parents across the nation to inform Congress on threats to children\u2019s innocence. As an original cosponsor of the Parents Bill of Rights Act, Congressman Harris has been a leading voice in Congress on protecting children from woke ideology indoctrination and ensuring that each educational agency publicly disseminates their curriculum so that parents have the right to view what their child is learning.\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following the statement:\n\n\u201cAs a father of six children, I am proud to join Congresswoman Debbie Lesko\u2019s Protect Kids Caucus because we must shield our innocent children from any agenda that seeks to corrupt them. As we witness disturbing levels of sexualization targeting children, it is both important and appropriate for Congress to focus on protecting our kids. The Protect Kids Caucus forms a basis for parents and educational experts to discuss threats our children confront, and directs Congress to take legislative action when and wherever needed. I am proud to join this caucus and look forward to the important work we will do.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-urges-administration-kick-start-new", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Urges Administration to Kick-Start New Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Stock Assessment", "2022-09-21", "2022", "2022-09", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, M.D., Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all Md.) today urged U.S. Department of Commerce leadership to initiate a new benchmark stock assessment for the Chesapeake Bay blue crab population, in line with the recommendations of leading scientists and fisheries managers.\n\nFollowing the lowest-ever blue crab population estimates in this year\u2019s winter dredge survey, the Members of Congress called for expedient action to be undertaken using funding from the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) or the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).\n\n\u201cThe 2022 [winter dredge] survey demonstrates the complexity of the blue crab fishery. This year saw the Bay\u2019s lowest number of crabs observed (227 million crabs) in the survey\u2019s history. Approximately 97 million mature female crabs were estimated to be present in the Bay at the start of the 2022 crabbing season, which is above the abundance threshold of 72.5 million adult females, but well below the target of 196 million,\u201d the Members of Congress write. \u201cWhile these results suggest that the blue crab population is not depleted relative to the reference points, worryingly, juvenile abundance has not responded to increases in female abundance as expected. Current, comprehensive information is needed to understand this disconnect, as well as to identify and address other factors attributed to the low overall population, including water quality, changes in weather patterns associated with climate change, habitat loss, and predation, including by invasive species such as blue catfish and northern snakehead.\u201d\n\n\u201cSound management of the species is vital to ensure the sustainability of this natural resource, which supports commercial, recreational, and subsistence fisheries,\u201d the Members affirm. \u201cWe write to express our full support for a new benchmark stock assessment, as recommended in the Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee (CBSAC) 2022 Blue Crab Advisory Report.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/doc-caucus-statement-support-hr-3173-improving-seniors-timely-access-care-act", "Doc Caucus Statement in Support of H.R. 3173, the Improving Seniors\u2019 Timely Access to Care Act of 2021", "2022-09-19", "2022", "2022-09", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - On Wednesday the House unanimously passed H.R. 3173, the Improving Seniors\u2019 Timely Access to Care Act of 2021, a bill to modernize and improve the prior authorization process by establishing an electronic system allowing for \u201creal time decisions\u201d for routinely approved services and improves transparency at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. A longtime priority of the GOP Doctors Caucus, the co-chairs Reps. Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. (R-OH,) Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD,) and Michael Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) are all original co-sponsors of this bipartisan legislation spearheaded by a multi-year effort led by Rep. Larry Buschon, M.D. (R-IN) with Sen. Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS.)\n\nStatement from the co-chairs:\n\n\u201cWhen patients need simple procedures such as screening services and tests like MRIs and CAT scans, they do not need red tape and hurdles. According to a recent American Medical Association survey, 93 percent of physicians report that the current prior authorization process causes delays in patient care and 83 percent said that the process leads patients to abandon their treatment altogether. For far too many,delayed care is denied care. The current system robs seniors by denying or delaying covered services and care. It causes more costs and burdensparticularly since early intervention often saves patients\u2019 lives and prevents costly delays in treatment. We believe this bill will lead to cost savings and more importantly, patients\u2019 health and life spans will be vastly improved.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-announce-nearly-14-million-firefighters-western", "Maryland Delegation Members Announce Nearly $1.4 Million for Firefighters in Western Maryland", "2022-09-09", "2022", "2022-09", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Jamie B. Raskin, David Trone, and Andy Harris (all Md.) announced $1,399,058.69 in federal funding for Maryland firefighters and first responders in Western Maryland. The funding will directly bolster fire departments, State Fire Training Academies, and nonaffiliated emergency medical services organizations to enhance their response capabilities and ability to protect the health and safety of the public \u2013 as well as first-responders.\n\n\u201cMaryland firefighters and first responders are on the front lines every single day, putting themselves at risk to keep Marylanders safe. This federal funding will help equip our local fire departments with the tools they need to accomplish their mission and provide critical services in Western Maryland,\u201d said the lawmakers.\n\nThe federal grants have been awarded as follows:\n\n$797,227.27 for the Carroll County Department of Fire and Emergency Services for portable and mobile radios\n\n$428,571.42 for the Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Co Inc. to replace a 40-year-old tanker\n\n$173,260.00 for the Gorman Volunteer Fire Department for replacing Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (\u201cSCBA\u201d)", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-harris-announce-more-200000-eastern-shore-firefighters", "Van Hollen, Cardin, Harris Announce More Than $200,000 for Eastern Shore Firefighters", "2022-09-07", "2022", "2022-09", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman Andy Harris (all Md.) announced $213,926.65 in federal funding for Maryland firefighters and first responders on the Eastern Shore. The funding will directly impact fire departments, State Fire Training Academies, and nonaffiliated emergency medical services organizations to enhance their response capabilities and ability to protect the health and safety of the public and first-responders.\n\n\u201cMaryland firefighters and first responders are on the front lines every single day, working tirelessly to keep Marylanders safe. This federal funding will help equip our local fire departments with the tools they need to continue doing their jobs safely and providing critical services to Marylanders on the Eastern Shore,\u201d said the lawmakers.\n\nThe federal grants have been awarded as follows:\n\n\u00b7 $117,323.80 for Kennedyville Volunteer Fire Department to replace Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (\u201cSCBA\u201d)\n\n\u00b7 $49,936.19 for the Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 of Chesapeake City, Incorporated to replace fire hoses\n\n\u00b7 $46,666.66 for the Eldorado Brookview Volunteer Fire Department to install a new cascade air station", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-announces-two-telephone-town-halls-week", "Harris Announces Two Telephone Town Halls This Week", "2022-09-06", "2022", "2022-09", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), will hold two telephone town halls this week reaching out to over 100,000 constituents. On Tuesday, September 6th, Congressman Harris\u2019s office will call out to constituents in the western reaches of the district and on the Upper Shore. Then on Thursday, September 8th, Congressman Harris\u2019s office will call out to constituents living in the Mid-and-Lower Shore.\n\nImportant Details:\n\nDate: Tuesday, September 6, 2022 & Thursday, September 8, 2022.\n\nTime: 7:15PM-8:15PM\n\nQuestions about the event can be directed to Congressman Harris' DC office at (202) 225-5311. Constituents who wish to be removed from the call list should contact Congressman Harris's DC office.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-announces-dot-grant-extend-easton-newman-field-airport-runway", "Harris Announces DOT Grant To Extend Easton Newman Field Airport Runway", "2022-09-01", "2022", "2022-09", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), the Acting Ranking Member of House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee, is pleased to announce that the Department of Transportation issued a discretionary grant award in the amount of $1,546,734.00to construct and extend the Easton Newman Field Airport runway in Talbot County. Extending the Easton Newman Field Airport runway will also provide an added measure of safety for both inbound and outbound air traffic as well as the runway maintenance crew. As one of only 84 National level airports, Easton Airport connects the First District as well as many local and statewide communities with access to national travel in multiple states.\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following the statement:\n\n\u201cI am very pleased to see that the Department of Transportation issued this discretionary grant award to improve and extend the Easton Newman Airport runway. This funding is necessary especially at a time when air travel has increased significantly due people traveling more as our lives get back to normal. Extending the Easton Airport runway will also improve the general safety of all runway staff and I look forward to seeing the final completion of this project.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-announce-over-340000-federal-funding-commercial", "Maryland Delegation Members Announce Over $340,000 in Federal Funding for Commercial Driver\u2019s License Programs Benefitting Veterans and their Families", "2022-08-23", "2022", "2022-08", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger and Andy Harris (all Md.) announced $344,960 to help enroll at least 62 new students, primarily veterans and their family members, in Commercial Driver\u2019s License (CDL) programs at the Community College of Baltimore County and Wor-Wic Community College. These programs provide quality safety training for students working to earn their Commercial Driver\u2019s License and guaranteed job placements in transportation companies across Maryland upon completion.\n\n\"We need to ensure that those who have served in our military have access to economic opportunities when they hang up their uniforms. Having visited the CCBC Dundalk Campus and toured their Transportation Training Center, I\u2019ve seen firsthand how these job training programs open doors of opportunity for veterans and their families while keeping our economy moving, strengthening our supply chains, and improving road safety,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, Urban Development, and Related Agencies. \u201cI will keep working in the Senate to invest in workforce development to grow our skilled workforce and bring more job opportunities to the people of our state.\u201d\n\n\u201cConnecting Maryland veterans with the right training for available jobs is one of our highest priorities,\u201d said Senator Cardin. \u201cThis latest federal funding works to counter our current trucking worker shortages by providing veterans the opportunity to update their skills to comply with the latest CDL safety guidelines. It\u2019s a win for Maryland veterans and their families, local transportation companies and for our local economy.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe trucking industry is facing a worsening workforce shortage and these funds will enable our local colleges to meet the challenge head-on,\u201d Congressman Ruppersberger said. \u201cAll of the students who benefit from these federal funds will graduate ready for careers they can be proud of, earning livable wages and contributing to our regional economy.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am pleased that the Department of Transportation has granted this Federal funding to support the Commercial Driver\u2019s License Programs at the Community Colleges of Wor-Wic and Baltimore County. These awards not only support the local economy, but they also focus on enrolling veterans and their families. CDL drivers are critical in getting supplies across our Nation and this investment in training is essential for both the safety of the vehicle driver as well as all road travelers,\u201d said Congressman Harris.\n\nThe award includes:\n\n$197,410 to the Community College of Baltimore County to help enroll 38 students\n\n$147,550 to the Wor-Wic Community College to help enroll at least 24 students\n\nSenators Van Hollen and Cardin and Congressman Ruppersberger previously announced more than $120,000 in federal funding to expand the Community College of Baltimore County\u2019s Transportation Training Center program from 18 students to 28 students.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:59:24Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-announces-dot-grant-final-design-susquehanna-bridge-replacement", "Harris Announces DOT Grant for Final Design of Susquehanna Bridge Replacement", "2022-08-16", "2022", "2022-08", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), the Acting Ranking Member of House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee, is pleased to announce that the Department of Transportation listened to our Delegation request and issued a discretionary grant award in the amount of $20,000,000 to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation. The purpose of the grant is to fund the final design for the preplacement of the 115-year-old Susquehanna River Rail Bridge connecting Havre de Grace and Perryville, MD. The new bridge will have a higher clearance above the river and feature a moveable span that can more efficiently open and close to maritime traffic.\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following the statement:\n\n\u201cI am very pleased to see that the Department of Transportation issued a grant for the final design and replacement of Susquehanna\u2019s 115-year-old rail bridge that serves freight and commuter traffic, including Amtrak and MARC. Replacing this heavily used and older bridge will improve the safety of all travelers, including maritime traffic below it, and create economic opportunity for residents of the first district. I look forward to seeing the final design and replacement of the Susquehanna bridge.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:59:24Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-announces-usda-rural-investment-grant-pocomoke-city", "Harris Announces USDA Rural Investment Grant for Pocomoke City", "2022-08-16", "2022", "2022-08", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), the Acting Ranking Member of House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee, is pleased to announce that the USDA Rural Development is providing a $306,600.00 grant to Pocomoke City to purchase a new ambulance and improve access to emergency medical services. This new ambulance will replace an older vehicle near its lifespan that lacks key modern safety and health standards. Included in the new ambulance is a better air filtration and heating system, a more comprehensive air disinfection system, and a power lift system for administering oxygen.\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following the statement:\n\n\u201cAs a physician, I fully understand the need for local government, especially in our rural communities, to have first-rate emergency medical equipment at their disposal. I was pleased to support the application for this grant and know that it will help save lives in Pocomoke City.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:59:24Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/gop-doctors-caucus-fights-against-democrats-anti-doctor-anti-patient", "GOP Doctors Caucus Fights Against Democrats' Anti-Doctor, Anti-Patient Legislation", "2022-08-15", "2022", "2022-08", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Today, the GOP Doctors Caucus co-chairs released the following statement after the House passed the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5376, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The health provisions within this reconciliation package will hamper innovation for new cures and place an increasing strain on our shrinking medical field.\n\n\u201cEach member of the GOP Doctors Caucus came to Congress with a desire to provide solutions to the many ailments plaguing our health care system. The so-called \u2018Inflation Reduction Act\u2019 moves us away from reaching that goal by robbing Medicare to pay private insurance companies and non health related expenditures,\u201d said the Co-chairs. \u201cWe all support lowering prescription drug prices, but this approach will inadvertently encourage drug manufacturers to inflate launch prices and will leave patients with fewer treatment options at the pharmacy counter. It is estimated that if this legislation had existed in the past decade, only six out of 110 currently-approved therapies would have ultimately made it to patients. One lost cure is one too many.\n\n\u201cAdditionally, it further cuts physician payments at a time when medical practices in rural and underserved communities already struggle to keep their doors open.\n\n\u201cWe are disappointed as health care providers, lawmakers, and particularly as Americans, to see partisan interests placed over patient care. It seems Democrats are willing to sacrifice cures, treatments, and timely care instead of working on a bipartisan basis to lower drug costs for patients.\n\n\u201cAfter today\u2019s vote, we will have to explain to our constituents what could have been. We could have capped out of pocket costs in Medicare Part D without sacrificing innovation and new cures. We could have improved drug price transparency. We could have prevented medical practices from being unable to serve their communities. We could have passed H.R. 19, the Lower Costs, More Cures Act of 2021, with 36 bipartisan provisions that lower drug costs for seniors. Instead, the purported \u2018Inflation Reduction Act\u2019 threatens to rob American patients of much-needed lifesaving treatments and cures.\u201d\n\nThe GOP Doctors Caucus opposed this budget reconciliation package by:\n\nSent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi expressing our grave concerns with this package\n\nDrs. Burgess and Murphy, supported by Drs. Wenstrup, Bucshon, Dunn, and Miller-Meeks, offered an amendment to remove physicians from the middle of negotiations between the government and drug manufacturers\n\nOp-eds health care professionals in Congress penned on the Senate amendment to H.R. 5376:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:59:24Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-announces-august-17th-service-academy-information-session-webinar", "Harris Announces August 17th Service Academy Information Session Webinar", "2022-08-09", "2022", "2022-08", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Andy Harris, M.D., announced his annual military service academy information event for high school students interested in pursuing a Congressional nomination to attend one of the nation's military service academies. The virtual forum will be held on Wednesday, August 17thth at 6:30PM, and will run approximately 90 minutes. Congressman Harris will kick off the meeting, followed by a very informative briefing by experts in the selection process and a first-hand look at academy life through the eyes of recent graduates. It will conclude with a question-and-answer session for students and parents.\n\nInterested students must RSVP for the August 17th virtual event with their name, address, phone number, and reliable email address to MD01Academy@mail.house.gov. Individuals who have RSVP'd will receive a confirmation email with a link to join the virtual meeting by Monday, August 15th in the afternoon. Additional questions can be emailed to Congressman Harris's office at Leo.Thuman@mail.house.gov.\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following statement:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:59:24Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-senate-doctors-reconciliation-package-will-have-grave-impact-patient", "House & Senate Doctors: Reconciliation Package will have Grave Impact on Patient Care,  'Any Cure Lost is One Too Many'", "2022-08-09", "2022", "2022-08", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - The House GOP Doctors Caucus and physician members of the Senate shared serious concerns in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi following the inclusion of government drug price control policies in the reconciliation package being considered in the Senate.\n\n\"As medical providers in Congress, we urge you to recognize the danger this proposal will have on patients. We can and should work on a bipartisan basis to lower drug costs without sacrificing the cures and treatments that will provide for a healthier future,\" they wrote.\n\nThe members also wrote in the letter:\n\n\"If this plan is passed into law, millions of patients could die waiting for new drugs and cures that will no longer be developed in their lifetime. Government price controls have consequences. The Congressional Budget Office has conservatively estimated that 15 fewer drugs will be developed over the next 30 years under this bill. Another study found that only six out of 110 currently approved therapies would have been brought to the market if this framework were in place.\"\n\n\"Any cure lost is one too many. As Members of Congress who have been involved in patient care, we understand the real-world impact that this will have on patients. Many of us have treated patients with chronic and life-threatening diseases. We\u2019ve seen expensive surgeries and intensive inpatient care be eliminated by the development of new therapies. This development and innovation will all but go away, leaving patients without hope for improved quality of life and long-term savings.\"\n\n\"We remain concerned that this proposal will also put the government, not patients and their physicians, in control of Americans\u2019 medical decisions. This is another clear example of a policy crafted by politicians who have never seen a patient.\"\n\nThe letter was signed by GOP Doctors Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. (R-OH,) Michael Burgess, M.D. (R-TX,) Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD,) and Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA,) John Boozman, O.D. (R-AR,) Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS,) and Rand Paul, M.D. (R-KY) with Reps. Brian Babin, D.D.S. (R-TX,) Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN,) Buddy Carter, R. Ph. (R-GA,) Neal Dunn, M.D. (R-FL,) Drew Ferguson, D.M.D. (R-GA,) Diana Harshbarger, Pharm.D. (R-TN,) Ronny Jackson, M.D. (R-TX,) John Joyce, M.D. (R-PA,) Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (R-IA,) Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC,) Jefferson Van Drew, D.M.D. (R-NJ,) and Scott DesJarlais, M.D. (R-TN.)\n\nBackground:\n\nThe reconciliation package under consideration in the Senate will have grave consequences for patients and patient care, with medical providers in Congress citing:\n\n1. This price-setting scheme put forth in this bill will endanger patient access to care by cutting provider reimbursement on impacted Part B drugs by an average of forty percent.\n\n2. The bill does nothing to address other ongoing Medicare provider payment cuts set to begin in 2023.\n\n3. If this plan is passed into law, millions of patients could die waiting for new drugs and cures that will no longer be developed in their lifetime.\n\n4. Government price controls have consequences, and one lost cure is one too many.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:59:24Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-shares-priorities-new-chesapeake-bay-leaders", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Shares Priorities with New Chesapeake Bay Leaders", "2022-07-29", "2022", "2022-07", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, John Sarbanes, Andy Harris MD, Kweisi Mfume and David Trone met Wednesday in the U.S. Capitol with the new president and CEO of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Hilary Harp Falk and the newly selected U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Chesapeake Bay Program Director Dr. Kandis Boyd. The group shared perspectives and progress on challenges including upstream accountability, blue crabs, and the Conowingo Dam, as well as the broader need to maintain unity among Bay Program partners through 2025 and beyond.\n\n\u201cThere is no higher priority that we have as a delegation than the Chesapeake Bay. Recognized by presidents as a national treasure, it is the iconic representation of the state of Maryland \u2013 quality of life, economy, culture and more,\u201d said Senator Cardin. \u201cTeam Maryland has worked year after year to ensure the federal government is a strong partner with the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program and stakeholders like the Chesapeake Bay Foundation as we work to restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed in a sustainable and equitable way. We welcome Dr. Boyd and Ms. Falk to the forefront of this fight. We have reason to be optimistic about the state of the Bay, but there is much more work ahead of us.\u201d\n\n\u201cProtecting and preserving the Chesapeake Bay requires an all-hands-on-deck effort. Today\u2019s meeting was an opportunity to discuss the significant progress we\u2019ve made in these efforts but also to underscore all the work that remains ahead. Dr. Boyd and Ms. Harp Falk have already hit the ground running in their new roles, and understand the challenges we face. As a delegation we\u2019ve fought to deliver historic federal investments for Bay cleanup efforts through annual appropriations and the infrastructure modernization bill, and we must continue to put these dollars where they\u2019re needed most \u2013 and hold our state partners accountable in following suit,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen. \u201cI\u2019m committed to working together to continue these efforts to preserve the Bay for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cI was glad to meet with CEO and President of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Hilary Harp Falk and EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Director Dr. Kandis Boyd. Conservation efforts to protect the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries are of critical importance our Congressional Delegation,\u201d said Congressman Hoyer. \u201cI am particularly concerned about the Blue Crab shortages we are witnessing and the impact that is having on our ecosystem and our economy. I am looking forward to working closely with Hilary as she leads efforts in our state and across the region to advance our mutual goal of cleaning up the Bay, protecting its wildlife, and strengthening its health for future generations.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs the Maryland Delegation has remained intensely committed to restoring the Chesapeake Bay and securing robust funding to support conservation projects, the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program and Chesapeake Bay Foundation have been essential partners in coordinating and implementing these efforts,\u201d said Congressman Sarbanes. \u201cMy conversation with Dr. Kandis Boyd and Hilary Harp Falk reaffirmed our shared commitment to restoring and protecting the Bay Watershed, centering the voices of those most impacted by environmental injustice in our solution-making and working collaboratively with the community to be good stewards of the Bay.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure and vital economic engine on the Eastern Shore, which is why I\u2019m proud to have consistently fought for federal funding for the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program and to have secured language in the FY23 Appropriations bill to help eradicate the invasive blue catfish,\u201d said Dr. Harris. \u201cAt the meeting, I was pleased to hear of the support from the entire Maryland Delegation and look forward to working with them, the Foundation, and our colleagues in the Senate to sustain this critical language toward eradicating this dangerous and invasive species.\u201d\n\n\u201cI grew up on the water, so I understand the importance of our waterways in a very personal way. Marylanders of every stripe, including many of our small businesses, rely on a healthy Bay for food, recreation, and to make a living,\u201d said Congressman Mfume. \u201cI am proud of the work we are doing in Congress to bring federal expertise and federal money to the table as we fight for a healthier Bay.\u201d\n\n\u201cCongratulations to Dr. Kandis Boyd upon her appointment as EPA\u2019s Chesapeake Bay Program Director and to Hilary Falk for her selection as President of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation,\u201d said Congressman Raskin. \u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is a natural treasure and the pride of Maryland, and I\u2019m thrilled that these two talented leaders are bringing decades of experience in government and conservation to the task of protecting and restoring the Bay. I look forward to working with my Maryland colleagues to bolster their Bay preservation efforts.\u201d\n\n\u201cProtecting the health of the Chesapeake Bay is essential to Maryland\u2019s way of life and its local economies. Every year, billions of dollars in seafood revenue and tourism benefits hardworking Maryland families, and we remain dedicated to ensuring that folks can continue to enjoy the Bay for generations,\u201d said Congressman Trone. \u201cI look forward to working with the leadership of the EPA and Chesapeake Bay Foundation to further these efforts on the federal level.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams bind together more than 18-million people. Restoring clean water is vital to the health, welfare, and economic strength of their communities,\u201d Falk said. The science-based Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint is working to achieve that goal. We are reducing pollution and underwater dead zones are shrinking over time. At the same time, warning signs like this summer\u2019s shortage of blue crabs demonstrate that we still have a long way to go. Climate change also threatens progress. However, today\u2019s meeting gives me hope. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation applauds the bipartisan leadership of the Maryland Congressional delegation and others in the region who are standing up for clean water. By working together \u2013 residents, businesses, local and federal governments \u2013 we will finish the job and ensure clean water for our communities and future generations.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt was truly an honor and a privilege to speak with the Maryland Congressional Delegation about the most pressing issues affecting the Chesapeake Bay, its watershed, and those that recreate, live, and work in the Bay,\u201d Dr. Boyd said. \u201cMore than ever it\u2019s important to address climate change and its impact on the Bay to continue the nearly 40+ years of partnership that has provided marked improvements in the air, land, and water quality surrounding the Bay.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:49:02Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-blumenauer-harris-and-senators-feinstein-grassley-and-schatz-applaud", "Reps. Blumenauer, Harris, and Senators Feinstein, Grassley, and Schatz Applaud House Passage of Negotiated Bipartisan Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act", "2022-07-27", "2022", "2022-07", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act with 325 votes. The legislation will encourage research on marijuana and its potential benefits by streamlining the application process for researchers and removing FDA barriers. Congressmen Blumenauer (D-OR), Harris (R-MD) and Senators Feinstein (D-CA), Grassley (R-IA), and Schatz (D-HI) released the following statements praising its passage in the House:\n\n\u201cResearch is a foundational element for cannabis policy,\u201d said Congressman Blumenauer, Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus. \u201cAt a time when there are four million registered medical marijuana patients and many more likely to self-medicate, it is crucial that researchers are able to fully study the health benefits of cannabis. For too long, the federal government has stood in the way of science and progress, creating barriers for researchers obtaining resources and approval to study cannabis. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation is an important first step to changing that.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a physician who has conducted NIH-sponsored research, I am pleased that this bill has finally passed and that scientists will be able to research what medical marijuana can and cannot do. While there is evidence to suggest that medical marijuana may be beneficial in the treatment of some diseases like glaucoma and epilepsy, only scientific research will prove the veracity of the many claims regarding efficacy for other diseases. Despite lacking much scientific research, over three dozen states have already legalized medical marijuana, and the American public deserves to know the effect modern marijuana has on the human body. While I support additional research for the use of medical marijuana, my position on recreational marijuana remains the same \u2013 I categorically oppose it,\u201d Congressman Harris said.\n\n\u201cAfter years of effort, the House took a major step today in passing our legislation to make it easier for researchers to study how marijuana-derived medications can best treat various conditions. The bill will help get safe, FDA-approved, marijuana-derived medications safely to patients in need. I am confident that the Senate will quickly pass this amended version of the bill and send it to President Biden for his signature,\u201d Senator Feinstein said.\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan bill is critical to better understanding the marijuana plant and its potential benefits and hazards. It will empower the FDA to analyze CBD and medical marijuana products in a safe and responsible way so that the American public can decide whether to utilize them in the future based on sound scientific data. Researching marijuana is widely supported on both sides of the aisle, and it\u2019s a smart step forward,\u201d Senator Grassley said.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:49:02Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-announces-us-department-transportation-grant-chesapeake-shipbuilding", "Harris Announces U.S. Department of Transportation Grant to the Chesapeake Shipbuilding Company", "2022-07-19", "2022", "2022-07", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) is pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a discretionary grant award in the amount of $1,114,539.00 to Chesapeake Shipbuilding, Inc. This funding will be used to support the purchases of a CNC Messer System Plasma Table, a 30-ton mobile travelift crane, and a CNC 250-ton, 14-foot press brake.\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following the statement:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:49:02Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-urges-administration-select-state-home-new", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Urges Administration to Select State as Home for New Advanced Health Research Agency", "2022-07-19", "2022", "2022-07", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The full Maryland congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin, Andy Harris, M.D., and David Trone, recently called on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to select Maryland as the permanent home for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), a new agency proposed by President Biden to improve the U.S. government\u2019s ability to speed biomedical and health research.\n\n\u201cAs the Department of Health and Human Services launches the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), we respectfully request that you consider the unique advantages the State of Maryland offers that will enable the new agency to achieve its goal of rapidly advancing biomedical research and innovation,\u201d the members write. \u201cARPA-H would benefit from this robust existing infrastructure, both physical and human, which has allowed other federal agencies and installations headquartered in Maryland, such as the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, the Department of Energy, and Fort Detrick, to thrive. Maryland has a highly educated population with the highest number of employed doctoral scientists of any state. This talented and diverse workforce with extensive experience working in the private-sector and with federal agencies will be essential in developing next-generation solutions that will benefit all Americans. Maryland\u2019s innovative ecosystem will serve to jumpstart the new agency\u2019s ability to make breakthroughs in cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer\u2019s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and other diseases.\u201d\n\nThe members also underscore that, \u201cMaryland has long been home to world-class medical and research institutions, including federal agencies and universities such as Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland, College Park, the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and Morgan State University. This has fostered the development of the I-270 Technology Corridor, a cluster of dozens of life sciences companies already leading biomedical innovation. Additionally, the University of Maryland, Baltimore and Johns Hopkins University have each developed biotechnology parks to partner with a total of over 50 life sciences companies in the research and development of cutting-edge technologies.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:49:02Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-adds-language-fy23-appropriations-bill-address-invasive-blue-catfish", "Harris Adds Language to FY23 Appropriations Bill to Address Invasive Blue Catfish Species", "2022-07-12", "2022", "2022-07", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Acting Ranking member of USDA Appropriations Subcommittee Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), has issued the following statement on language included in the House USDA, Rural Development and Related Agencies Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriations Bill. This language addresses the invasive blue catfish species in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Under the language, included at the request of Ranking Member Harris, the USDA must create a system of providing waivers from USDA inspection requirements to invasive blue catfish processors that are in compliance with less burdensome FDA regulations for the safe processing of fish. The language will assist both processors and anglers in bringing this fish to market and facilitate reduction of the invasive blue catfish populations in the Bay in alignment with the State of Maryland\u2019s Bay conservation strategies.\n\n\u201cBlue catfish are an invasive species which feed on many species native to our Bay, including blue crabs. As our watermen have demonstrated time and time again, one of the most formidable tools we have at our disposal in reducing the blue catfish population is to fish them out of the Bay and bring them to market. Because of burdensome USDA inspection procedures, it has become increasingly difficult for watermen to do just that. New language included at my request in the Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriations Bill will require the blue catfish inspection process to be moved from USDA to a less burdensome but just as safe regime under the FDA. In doing this, we are eliminating unnecessary regulation and allowing easier commercial catch of blue catfish which would help control the growing population of this harmful species.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:20:25Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-opens-2022-academy-nomination-process-online", "Harris Opens 2022 Academy Nomination Process Online", "2022-07-12", "2022", "2022-07", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) is pleased to announce that the U.S. Military Service Academies nomination application is now available for students wishing to join the class of 2027. Congressman Harris will nominate some of the finest students from Maryland\u2019s First Congressional District for appointments to the U.S. Military, Naval, Air Force, and Merchant Marine Academies. The Coast Guard Academy does not require a Congressional nomination, though Congressman Harris will recommend interested applicants on a case-by-case basis.\n\nAdmission to the service academies is based on SAT/ACT scores, class rank, physical aptitude scores, extracurricular activities, athletic abilities, medical examinations, and a panel interview. Academies accept applications on a rolling basis beginning in September. Final acceptance is also contingent upon receiving a nomination from an authorized source such as one\u2019s Congressman or Senator.\n\nThe deadline to apply for a nomination from Congressman Harris is October 24, 2022. All qualified residents of Maryland\u2019s First District are encouraged to apply. Interviews will be conducted in the fall by Congressman Harris\u2019 Military Academy Review Board, which is made up of veterans and reservists of the United States military. The Service Academies will be notified of Congressman Harris\u2019 nominations by December 31, 2022.\n\nStudents can complete the nomination application at https://harris.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations. For questions, please contact the Military Academy Nomination Coordinator, Leo Thuman, at MD01academy@mail.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:20:25Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-andy-harris-md-and-delegate-kathy-szeliga-demand-action-record", "Congressman Andy Harris, MD, and Delegate Kathy Szeliga Demand Action on Record High Gas Prices", "2022-06-28", "2022", "2022-06", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: In response to record-high gas and energy prices, Congressman Andy Harris, and Delegate Kathy Szeliga are calling on leaders in Annapolis and Washington DC to find solutions to the pain at the pump \u2013 both in the short-term and long-term. At a press conference Monday morning, Congressman Harris said, \u201cIt\u2019s time for President Biden to stop the blame-game and unleash American energy independence. Joe Biden and House Democrats\u2019 war on American energy is responsible for the pain at the pump Americans are feeling. This is Biden\u2019s Price Hike, and Americans know it. It\u2019s time to unleash American energy dominance.\u201d Harris and Szeliga outlined solutions to deliver relief for Maryland families. The largest profits from gas sales are reaped by the government. The combined state and federal gas taxes in Maryland will soon be more than 61 cents per gallon! Meanwhile Biden and Democrats are blaming energy companies and gas station owners for price hikes, which is a theatrical distraction given that their profit per gallon is much lower than that. \u201cOn July 1, the Maryland gas tax will automatically increase another 7 cents per gallon,\u201d said Delegate Szeliga. \u201cThe leadership in Annapolis could stop this increase and reinstate a gas tax holiday to help offset the burden of high gas prices. Bringing down the cost of energy in Maryland should be a top priority for lawmakers. This should include addressing not only these historic gas prices but the sky-rocketing cost of all energy including home-heating oil.\u201d Given the global nature of oil prices, Maryland has limited options to help its citizens, and tax relief is one of them. Recent attempts to call a Special Session to stop this tax increase has been blocked by the presiding officers. \u201cThe Democrat leadership at the state and federal levels are turning a blind eye and blaming everyone but themselves. This is ridiculous,\u201d said Delegate Szeliga. \u201cMaryland has a $7-billion budget surplus AND there will be a record amount of federal infrastructure spending flowing into Maryland. There is no reason not to do everything we can to ease the struggle for Marylanders.\u201d During the 2022 General Assembly Session, multiple attempts were made to extend the gas tax holiday and to stop the automatic increase in the gas tax. These efforts either stalled in Committee or voted down by the Democrat majority. When President Joe Biden took office, gas was $2.39 per gallon. Today, the national average is about $5.00 per gallon. Diesel prices have skyrocketed 75% in one year. Economists are projecting gas prices may surpass $6.00/gallon this year. Harris and Szeliga are urging lawmakers to stop ignoring the massive impact gas prices have on Maryland families, small businesses, and our economy. Short-term solutions like reducing taxes provide immediate help for Marylanders. Long-term solutions are even more important. \u201cIf President Biden and Democrats holding leadership offices at the federal and state level were serious about this crisis, they would stop the blame game and focus on putting Americans to work and returning American energy independence,\u201d said Congressman Harris. \u201cOn Friday, Maryland families will see another gas tax increase and we will be paying 61 cents per gallon in gas taxes alone. The pain at the pump is real. Let\u2019s make American energy and gas affordable, and let\u2019s suspend the Maryland state gas tax.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:13:54Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-issues-statement-supreme-court-concealed-firearms-ruling", "Harris Issues Statement on Supreme Court Concealed Firearm\u2019s Ruling", "2022-06-24", "2022", "2022-06", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court\u2019s ruling on concealed firearms.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s Supreme Court ruling is a huge win for the Second Amendment Rights of law-abiding Marylanders. It is now clear that Maryland\u2019s current law requiring a \u201cgood and substantial\u201d reason to obtain a concealed permit unduly infringes on the rights of law-abiding citizens. Our Constitution makes it crystal clear that the right of the people to bear arms shall not be infringed, and I am glad the Supreme Court upheld that for law-abiding citizens.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:39:01Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-issues-statement-dhs-and-dol-addition-35000-h-2b-visas", "Harris Issues Statement on the DHS and DOL Addition of 35,000 H-2B Visas", "2022-05-24", "2022", "2022-05", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) is pleased to see that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Labor (DOL) have finally announced an additional 35,000 temporary H-2B visas. The release of these additional visas was made possible by the Harris/Pingree (D-ME) amendment to the FY22 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, which was signed into law in March.\n\nThe supplemental H-2B visa allocation consists of 23,500 visas available to returning workers (received an H-2B visa or were otherwise granted H-2B status during one of the last three FYs) The remaining 11,500 visas are reserved for nationals of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Haiti, regardless of whether they are returning workers. The semiannual cap of 33,000 visas for the second half of FY 2022 was reached on February 25, 2022.\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cAlthough this announcement certainly could have come sooner, it is welcome news for the many businesses across Maryland\u2019s 1st District who rely on these workers, especially with the summer season upon us. The release of these additional visas is a step in the right direction, and I hope Congress acts quickly on the Returning Workers Exception Act that Rep. Cuellar (D-TX) and I put forward to permanently fix this annual labor problem.\u201d\n\nAdditional background:\n\nCongressman Harris held an in-person meeting with Labor Secretary Marty Walsh on March 3rd. In that meeting, he asked Secretary Walsh to move quickly alongside DHS in issuing supplemental visas to businesses in time for the busy summer season.\n\nCongressman Harris is also an original co-sponsor of H.R. 3897, the H-2B Returning Worker Exception Act. This legislation is a permanent solution to the chronic H-2B visa issues that plague seasonal businesses such as the iconic crab houses of Maryland\u2019s Eastern Shore. The bill would exempt workers who previously held an H-2B visa in one of the last three fiscal years from counting against the annual 66,000 statutory cap. You can read his joint letter to the editor on this bill with Rep. Cuellar (D-TX) in the Wall Street Journal here.\n\nThe H-2B visa program permits employers to temporarily hire noncitizens to perform nonagricultural labor or services in the United States. The employment must be for a limited period of time, such as a one-time occurrence, seasonal, or intermittent need. Employers seeking to hire H-2B workers must take a series of steps to test the U.S. labor market. They must provide certification from the Department of Labor that proves there are not enough U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available to do the temporary work for which they seek a prospective foreign worker, and that employing the H-2B workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:29:07Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-issues-statement-h-2b-visa-delays", "Harris Issues Statement on H-2b Visa Delays", "2022-04-22", "2022", "2022-04", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) issued the following statement urging the Department of Homeland Security to immediately release the 35,000 supplemental H-2b visas they announced three weeks ago that would be made available for work start dates on or after April 1st of this year:\n\n\u201cWhile I was pleased with the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s announcement on the imminent release of 35,000 supplemental H-2b visas for the summer work season (although more work remains), I am disappointed that nearly a month later they have yet to make these visas available. I have repeatedly stressed to both the Departments of Homeland Security and Labor that time is of the essence with respect to the release of these supplemental visas. Each day of bureaucratic delay is another day of cancelled contracts, lost income, and lost jobs for our seasonal employers on the Eastern Shore and throughout the country. The busy summer season is upon us, and businesses are desperate for the labor necessary to meet consumer demand. I urge the Departments to recognize the damage, in some cases irreversible, that seasonal businesses sustain as they await access to their seasonal labor force and to do everything in their power to make these supplemental H-2B visas available to our seasonal employers without delay.\u201d\n\nCongressman Harris personally met with Labor Secretary Walsh on March 3rd. In that meeting, he asked Secretary Walsh to move quickly alongside DHS in issuing supplemental visas to businesses in time for the busy summer season.\n\nAdditionally, Congressman Harris is an original co-sponsor of H.R. 3897, the H-2B Returning Worker Exemption Act. This legislation is a permanent solution to the chronic H-2B visa issues that plague seasonal businesses such as the iconic crab houses of Maryland's Eastern Shore. The bill would exempt workers who previously held an H-2B visa in one of the last three fiscal years from counting against the annual 66,000 statutory cap. You can read his joint letter to the editor on this bill with Rep. Cuellar (D-TX) in the Wall Street Journal here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:19:30Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-issues-statement-restaurant-revitalization-replenishment", "Harris Issues Statement on Restaurant Revitalization Replenishment", "2022-04-07", "2022", "2022-04", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed, despite his vote in opposition, the Relief for Restaurants and other Hard Hit Small Businesses Act of 2022:\n\n\u201cFrustratingly, instead of taking quick broadly bipartisan action on replenishing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund by repurposing unspent COVID relief funds, Speaker Pelosi insisted upon gimmick funding that would ultimately require borrowing or printing up to $55 billion, which would only further drive already out-of-control inflation. There is also a real chance that this inflation-fueling bill is dead-on-arrival in the Senate because of this make-believe funding mechanism. We must get serious about reducing reckless spending and working together to craft legislation that will both help struggling American business owners and protect future generations.\u201d\n\nCongressman Harris has been an advocate for restaurant owners since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. He is a co-sponsor of H.R. 4568, the ENTR\u00c9E Act, which would add $60 billion to the Restaurant Revitalization Fund by repurposing unspent COVID-19 relief funds.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:19:30Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-statement-meeting-aphis-administrator-shea", "Harris Statement on Meeting with APHIS Administrator Shea", "2022-04-01", "2022", "2022-04", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) issued a statement after meeting with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Administrator Kevin Shea. The subject of the meeting was the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which is a serious concern for the poultry industry.\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cAs the Ranking Member for the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, and as the representative for Maryland\u2019s First Congressional District, where the poultry industry is the backbone of the local economy, I am appreciative of Administrator Shea and his team for their work on this concerning issue and for briefing my team and me on their efforts. I look forward to our continued collaboration to ensure that the spread of this disease is mitigated in order to prevent the types of mass outbreaks which would devastate our local Delmarva chicken industry.\u201d\n\nAPHIS has recently detected several outbreaks of HPAI, which according to the agency \u201cis a serious disease and requires rapid response because it is highly contagious and often fatal to chickens. APHIS works with its federal, state, local and industry partners to quickly mobilize a response to any HPAI findings. The goal is to quickly contain and eradicate the disease, protecting our poultry industry, and in turn, the American consumer.\u201d In early March, APHIS confirmed the detection of HPAI in a flock of commercial layer chickens in Cecil County.\n\nCongressman Harris is a past award winner of the Delmarva Chicken Association Medal of Achievement for his work and advocacy in Congress on behalf of the industry\u2019s businesses.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:19:30Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-announces-imminent-release-35000-supplemental-h-2b-visas", "Harris Announces Imminent Release of 35,000 Supplemental H-2B Visas", "2022-03-31", "2022", "2022-03", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) today announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Labor (DOL) intend to release 35,000 supplemental H-2B visas for the second half of Fiscal Year 2022. The release of these visas was made possible by the Harris/Pingree amendment to the FY22 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, which was signed into law earlier this month. The supplemental H-2B visa allocation consists of 23,500 visas available to returning workers, who received an H-2B visa or were otherwise granted H-2B status, during one of the last three fiscal years. The remaining 11,500 visas, which are exempt from the returning worker requirement, are reserved for nationals of Haiti, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador.\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following statement:\n\n\"This is welcome news for the countless seasonal businesses in Maryland's First Congressional District and across the nation that rely on the H-2B visa program to meet their labor needs. While these supplemental visas will provide much-needed relief, it is unlikely to meet the employers' full labor demands this year. Congress must continue to work to provide permanent solutions that fully address the chronic H-2B visa shortages. Understanding that the summer work season begins on April 1st, I urge the departments to get these visas to employers in need as soon as possible.\"\n\nCongressman Harris held an in person meeting with Labor Secretary Marty Walsh on March 3rd. In that meeting, he asked Secretary Walsh to move quickly alongside DHS in issuing supplemental visas to businesses in time for the busy summer season.\n\nCongressman Harris is also an original co-sponsor of H.R. 3897, the H-2B Returning Worker Exemption Act. This legislation is a permanent solution to the chronic H-2B visa issues that plague seasonal businesses such as the iconic crab houses of Maryland's Eastern Shore. The bill would exempt workers who previously held an H-2B visa in one of the last three fiscal years from counting against the annual 66,000 statutory cap. You can read his joint letter to the editor on this bill with Rep. Cuellar (D-TX) in the Wall Street Journal here.\n\nThe H-2B visa program permits employers to temporarily hire noncitizens to perform nonagricultural labor or services in the United States.The employment must be for a limited period of time, such as a one-time occurrence, seasonal, or intermittent need.Employers seeking to hire H-2B workers must take a series of steps to test the U.S. labor market.They must provide certification from the Department of Labor that proves there are not enough U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available to do the temporary work for which they seek a prospective foreign worker, and that employing the H-2B workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-announces-2022-congressional-art-competition", "Harris Announces 2022 Congressional Art Competition", "2022-03-17", "2022", "2022-03", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) is pleased to announce that the 2022 Congressional Art Competition is now open for submissions. The competition recognizes talented high school artists from around the country and is supported by the entirety of the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nAll high school students in Maryland's First Congressional District are encouraged to apply. A winner from each congressional district will be chosen to display his or her artwork in the U.S. Capitol building for one year.\n\n\"I am pleased to announce that the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are once again sponsoring the nation-wide art competition this spring, and I appreciate this opportunity to recognize the talented young artists of Maryland's First District,\" said Congressman Harris. \"I am continuously impressed by the submissions we receive and I eagerly anticipate seeing the winning piece from our district hanging in the U.S. Capitol.\"\n\nSince the first Congressional Art Competition in 1982, over 650,000 high school students have submitted their artwork to the competition judges.\n\nFor full competition guidelines and the student release forms, please visit Congressman Harris' website at harris.house.gov. Go to the \"Services\" tab at the top of the screen and click on \"Art Competition.\" Artwork can be submitted to any of our district offices on Mondays, Tuesday, or Thursdays. Please call one of the office's listed below to schedule a time to drop off your artwork.\n\nBel Air District Office \u2013 410-588-5670\n\nKent Island District Office- 410-643-5425\n\nSalisbury District Office- 443-944-8624\n\nThe deadline for submissions is Thursday, April 28, 2022.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-issues-statement-latest-bloated-spending-package", "Harris Issues Statement on Latest Bloated Spending Package", "2022-03-10", "2022", "2022-03", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) issued the following statement after the House passed the final Fiscal Year 2022 omnibus spending package late yesterday evening:\n\n\"Especially as Russia actively wages war in Eastern Europe, we cannot shortchange our defense spending, but we have to address our out of control non-defense spending that is fueling the inflationary crisis. I voted against Speaker Pelosi's latest bloated social spending bill, which was laden with pork and left-wing policy priorities \u2013 believe it or not, it even increased the Congressional budget by nearly 12%! Until we learn to spend within our means, everyday Americans will continue to feel more pain at the pump, to put food on the table, and to heat their homes.\"\n\nCongressman Harris sits on the House Committee on Appropriations. The non-defense portion of the omnibus legislation increased total spending by approximately $46 billion over Fiscal Year 2021 levels, which amounts to a 6.7% increase in non-defense discretionary spending year-over-year.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-joins-calls-halt-imports-russian-energy", "Harris Joins Calls to Halt Imports of Russian Energy", "2022-03-03", "2022", "2022-03", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\"As a longstanding supporter of increasing and expanding domestic American energy production, we must act now. The Administration and Congressional Democrats should join us in standing up to Vladimir Putin.\" -Congressman Andy Harris\n\nWASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) today co-sponsored the Prohibition on Imports of Russian Oil Act, which would bar the importation of Russian energy products to the United States. This action would cut off a significant source of funding to the Russian economy, as petroleum exports represent 25% of their total exports. As America currently purchases approximately 700,000 barrels of petroleum products per day from Russia, this action will be critical to furthering the economic sanctions the U.S. imposes on them as they wage unprovoked war in Ukraine.\n\nThis proposal, led by Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK), also comes at a time when the Biden Administration hampered and directly halted domestic American energy production, leading to increased energy costs for everyday families and placing the country in a challenging geopolitical situation.\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following statement:\n\n\"I am a longstanding supporter of increasing and expanding domestic American energy production, and frustratingly, the radical anti-energy policies of this Administration and Congressional Democrats have raised costs at the pump and in the home, and precariously increased reliance upon OPEC nations for our energy needs. This could not have come at a worse time, as Russia is waging a ruthless and indiscriminate military campaign in sovereign Ukraine. Congress must quickly pass this bill to further cripple the Russian economy.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-continues-advocate-support-ukraine", "Harris Continues to Advocate for Support to Ukraine", "2022-03-01", "2022", "2022-03", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) yesterday afternoon attended several events in response to the outbreak of war in Ukraine. Dr. Harris is a Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus and is the son of a Ukrainian mother who fled communist Eastern Europe following World War II.\n\nYesterday, the Caucus jointly sat down with Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova. Her reaction to the meeting can be viewed here. Following the meeting, Congressman Harris attended and spoke at a demonstration led by Representative Andy Levin (D-MI) in front of the Holodomor Memorial. Lastly, Congressman Harris received a classified Members-only briefing in the Capitol led by Secretaries Blinken (State), Austin (Defense), Raimondo (Commerce), Granholm (Energy), and Mayorkas (Homeland Security).\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following statement:\n\n\"My mother fled Russian communism in Eastern Europe following World War II, and sadly it appears as though history may be repeating itself. Frustratingly, the Biden Administration could have prevented much of this bloodshed had they kept the Trump-era sanctions on Nord Stream II (rather than removing them), instituted severe economic sanctions including exclusion from the SWIFT system earlier, and stepped up American energy production to bring down the price of oil that funds the Russian economy. Nevertheless, I remain steadfastly supportive of Ukraine in the face of this illegal, immoral, and unprovoked Russian invasion, and I fully support the continued provision of lethal military aid to the country, enabling them to defend their sovereign territory. I, like the rest of the Western world, am inspired by the Ukrainians' courage and willingness to defend their liberty even in the face of overwhelming odds. As a Member of Congress, Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus and the son of a Ukrainian immigrant who fled Soviet tyranny, I will continue to work to support them in their fight for freedom and self-determination.\"\n\nIn addition, Congressman Harris has signed a letter sent by Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) to the President, urging him to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Ukrainian nationals in the United States. Full text of the letter can be found here.\n\nYesterday's events follow several statements jointly issued by the Co-Chairs of Congressional Ukraine Caucus in recent weeks. These statements can be found below:\n\nCongressional Ukraine Caucus Statement on Russia's Attack on Ukraine (2/24/22)\n\nCongressional Ukraine Caucus Statement on Russia's Imminent Invasion of Ukrainian Territory (2/21/22)", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-statement-bidens-state-union-address", "Harris Statement on Biden\u2019s State of the Union Address", "2022-03-01", "2022", "2022-03", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) issued the following statement in reaction to President Biden's State of the Union Address:\n\n\"This speech was full of false claims and more of the same false promises of \u2018free' things that the President claimed will cost no one anything. Americans know better \u2013 they know that uncontrolled spending is what drove up inflation. There was lots of lip service, but there were no real plans to cut inflation, reduce the price of gas at the pump, stop the growth of crime, and stem the flow of fentanyl across our southern border that is killing our youth. This administration continues to disregard seriously dealing with what is really on the minds of hard-working Americans.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressional-ukraine-caucus-statement-russias-attack-ukraine", "Congressional Ukraine Caucus Statement on Russia\u2019s Attack on Ukraine", "2022-02-24", "2022", "2022-02", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus \u2013 Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), and Andy Harris (R-MD) \u2013 released the following statement regarding Russia's attack on Ukraine.\n\n\"Without provocation \u2013 and in a reprehensible violation of international law \u2013 Vladimir Putin has rejected diplomacy and chosen the path of brutal and senseless war with Ukraine. By invading Ukraine, Putin has affirmed Russia's status as a criminally rogue state, and launched an offensive against the entire world.\n\n\"Putin has repeatedly justified his aggression with lies, but the world must understand that he spills innocent blood because freedom and democracy are his true enemies. This invasion will inflict unimaginable suffering the likes of which we have not seen in recent memory.\n\n\"The great conflicts of the past have taught us that Putin's aggression cannot be tolerated. As missiles tear through Ukraine's skies, and tanks begin to roll through its streets \u2013 the Free World must rise up in its defense.\n\n\"Together, the United States and our allies must unleash crippling sanctions against Russia, and swiftly bolster Ukraine's military capabilities. The security and stability of Europe \u2013 and the preservation of global liberty \u2013 are all on the line.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:57:46Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressional-ukraine-caucus-statement-russias-imminent-invasion-ukrainian", "Congressional Ukraine Caucus Statement on Russia\u2019s Imminent Invasion of Ukrainian Territory", "2022-02-21", "2022", "2022-02", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), and Andy Harris (R-MD), released the following statement regarding Russia's illegal recognition of the independence of Luhansk and Donetsk and imminent deployment of troops to Ukrainian territory.\n\nRussia's illegal recognition of the independence of Luhansk and Donetsk, and imminent deployment of troops to Ukrainian territory, are nothing short of ordering an invasion. Putin's justifications for this aggression are patently false. There are no independent regions of Ukraine, and there is no legitimate peacekeeping mission for Russia to conduct. Ukraine is not a threat to Russia, but Ukraine's independence and democracy jeopardizes Putin's stranglehold on power.\n\nUkraine's security and its ability to exercise self-determination cannot be contingent upon Russian assent \u2013 they must be guaranteed. The Free World has a responsibility to uphold the tenants of the Budapest Memorandum and Minsk Agreement, and to defend Ukraine against imminent invasion.\n\nTo that end, we call upon the United States and its international partners to immediately:\n\nTerminate the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project and develop a coordinated strategy to establish Ukraine's energy independence.\n\nImpose robust global sanctions against the Russian oligarchy.\n\nDeliver additional land, sea, air, and cyber military assistance to Ukraine through direct funding and transfer of excess defense articles \u2013 with deliberate care to avoid unnecessary risks.\n\nSupport Ukraine's economy through direct investments in the public and private sectors as well as loan guarantees.\n\nIncrease resources for the U.S. Agency for Global Media and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.\n\nNow is the time for the Free World to rise up and act decisively in defense of liberty. By strengthening Ukraine's position, demonstrating a unified global coalition, and forcing Putin to grasp the consequences Russia will suffer \u2013 the world may avert the breakout of war the likes of which it has not seen in nearly a century.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:57:46Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-leads-appropriations-colleagues-investigating-dhs-transportation-aliens", "Harris Leads Appropriations Colleagues in Investigating DHS Transportation of Aliens Within U.S.", "2022-02-15", "2022", "2022-02", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) yesterday afternoon sent a letter with his colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, demanding answers after reports surfaced of illegal aliens being released and even transported by DHS across the U.S. interior. Rep. Harris co-led the letter, which was initially reported by Fox News, with DHS Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN). In the letter the members wrote:\n\n\"[O]ur constituents have contacted our offices with concerns and outrage over recent reports of aliens being transported and released, at taxpayer expense, into the interior of the United States under the cover of darkness. In light of these reports, we urgently request that you provide our offices a report, broken down by congressional district, detailing how many migrants who have entered the country illegally have been released into the United States, the cost to the federal government of transporting these migrants prior to release, and what security and health screening protocols were in place associated with any such release.\"\n\nFurther, the members wrote: \"In addition to our concerns surrounding your department's policies with respect to detention of illegal border crossers, it is our firm belief that taxpayer resources should not be used to transport these individuals to secondary destinations within the interior, especially without proper notification to Members of Congress and local law-enforcement officials as well as full transparency for the general public.\"\n\nA full copy of the letter\n\n. Congressmen Harris and Fleischmann were joined in the letter by Reps. Ken Calvert (CA), Dan Newhouse (WA), Hal Rogers (KY), John Carter (TX), John Moolenaar (MI), Guy Reschenthaler (PA), Tony Gonzales (TX), John Rutherford (FL), Ashley Hinson (IA), Steven Palazzo (MS), Robert Aderholt (AL), Ben Cline (VA), Mark Amodei (NV), David Valadao (CA), Steve Womack (AR), Mike Simpson (ID), and Mike Garcia (CA).\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following statement:\n\n\"These alarming reports have rightly raised concerns among my constituents in Maryland. They know these illegal immigrants will place strains on their communities. They deserve a full accounting of the numbers of illegal aliens released into their neighborhoods. We all deserve to know the costs associated with transporting them across the country at taxpayer expense.\"\n\nCongressman Fleischmann issued the following statement:\n\n\"Since taking office last year, President Biden and Congressional Democrats have gone out of their way to undermine security at the southern border and import untold thousands of migrants into our country and my home state of Tennessee. There's no doubt that the illegal aliens released into the US will disappear into communities nationwide and create stress on our economy, local law enforcement agencies, and drain taxpayer-funded services \u2013 often at the disadvantage of minority-Americans. Our focus must be on restoring border security and ensuring all public services only go to legal Americans.\"\n\nHere's what other signatories from the House Appropriations Committee had to say:\n\n\"The Biden Administration created this crisis at the southern border and is now making sure that every community across the United States is impacted by their radical policies. Secretary Mayorkas owes the American people answers as to why their hard-earned tax dollars are going towards releasing individuals who have broken our laws\" said Representative John Carter (TX-31).\n\n\"Given the current crisis at our southern border and lack of enforcement of strong immigration policies, I'm proud to join my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee in asking for answers and transparency from the Department of Homeland Security,\" said Representative Robert Aderholt (AL-04).\n\n\"President Biden's approach to border security has been a disaster from the beginning,\" said Representative\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b Mike Simpson (ID-02). \"Americans have seen record levels of human trafficking, fentanyl, and criminals crossing the border and now reports of illegal immigrants being flown into U.S. cities. It is clear the Biden Administration is failing miserably at our southern border. House Republicans are committed to holding the Administration accountable and demanding transparency for these reckless policies.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:57:46Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-announces-additional-usda-rural-development-grants", "Harris Announces Additional USDA Rural Development Grants", "2022-02-04", "2022", "2022-02", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) today announced that the USDA Rural Development Agency has awarded $204,161 in federal grants to a local farm in Westminster and two entrepreneurship centers on the Eastern Shore. Specific funding allocations can be found below:\n\nWillet Family Farm, Westminster; $49,993 for the expansion and packaging enhancement associated with the farm's local free range egg production\n\nMaryland Capital Enterprises, Salisbury; $131,687 to provide business based training and technical assistance to rural microenterprises and microentrepreneurs\n\nEastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center, Easton; $22,481 to provide business based training and technical assistance to rural microenterprises and microentrepreneurs\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following statement:\n\n\"Providing expertise and hands on training to prospective small business owners is a strong investment in both long-term business development and our local workforces. As the Acting Ranking Member for the appropriations subcommittee responsible for this funding, I remain committed to ensuring rural America is provided the resources and expertise it needs to grow and thrive in our competitive business environment.\"\n\nThis announcement follows two other recent USDA grant announcements from Congressman Harris in December 2021 and January 2022.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:57:46Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-co-sponsors-congressional-stock-trading-ban", "Harris Co-Sponsors Congressional Stock Trading Ban", "2022-01-28", "2022", "2022-01", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) today co-sponsored H.R. 336, the Transparent Representation Upholding Service and Trust (TRUST) in Congress Act. This bill would require Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children to place certain investments into blind trusts for the duration of their time in Congress and for a brief period following an end in their tenure. H.R. 336 was introduced in January 2021 by Reps. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) and Chip Roy (R-TX).\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following statement:\n\n\"This pandemic highlighted how \u2018behind the scenes' information Members of Congress receive as part of their duties or from lobbyists may be used for their personal gain. The TRUST Act is long overdue and will thankfully address the unethical practice of misusing this information for financial benefit. While Speaker Pelosi may disagree with me, politicians should never profit from their offices and must be held to a higher ethical standard.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:50:39Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-announces-rural-development-grants-several-eastern-shore-municipalities", "Harris Announces Rural Development Grants to Several Eastern Shore Municipalities", "2022-01-26", "2022", "2022-01", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development agency has awarded $168,800 in federal grants to five local communities on the Eastern Shore. Funding originated from regular appropriations for Fiscal Year 2021. Specific funding allocations and descriptions can be found below:\n\nMayor and Town Council of Berlin; $24,300; for use in replacing an essential vehicle and equipment for the Berlin Police Department\n\nCommunity Fire Company of Perryville; $50,000; for use in connecting the fire station to the town's municipal water system after the station's wells failed due to contamination\n\nTown of Oxford; $32,600; for use in purchasing a police truck and public works truck to support snow plow operations\n\nTown of Rock Hall; $15,600; for use in the purchase of a new mower and trailer for the town's landscaping operations\n\nHurlock Volunteer Fire Company; $46,300; for use in the purchase of essential rescue equipment for use at emergency scenes including: inclined cutter, spreader, ram, scene lights, exhaust fans, and pagers\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following statement:\n\n\"Helping to fund emergency operations is an important role the federal government can play in serving rural America. As the Acting Ranking Member for the appropriations subcommittee responsible for this funding, I will continue to work to ensure that our rural communities are able to access the equipment and resources necessary to meet the needs of their constituencies.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:50:39Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-announces-initial-funding-slaughter-creek-dredging-project", "Harris Announces Initial Funding for Slaughter Creek Dredging Project", "2022-01-19", "2022", "2022-01", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) today announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has awarded $50,000 in federal funds for the initial engineering and design for dredging of Slaughter Creek in Dorchester County. In October 2021, Congressman Harris took a delegation of officials from USACE and the Maryland Port Authority to Slaughter Creek to hear from local business owners with concerns, and to discuss the cost savings opportunity of using this location as a base of operations for future USACE island replenishment projects, like James Island.\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following statement:\n\n\"I have heard for years the concerns from local citizens and local government officials about the need to dredge Slaughter Creek. Thankfully, with this round of funding, we will begin this long overdue process, and additionally it will allow us to continue the important work of island restoration along the Mid-Shore. This is a win-win for all parties involved, and I remain committed to ensuring that issues like this receive the proper attention they deserve from the federal agencies responsible.\"\n\nAdditionally, in July 2021, Congressman Harris took an official delegation of House Appropriations Members to Dorchester County to learn about the invasive northern snakehead and again discuss the need for dredging along Slaughter Creek.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:50:39Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-issues-statement-h-2b-visa-access-upcoming-season", "Harris Issues Statement on H-2B Visa Access for Upcoming Season", "2022-01-05", "2022", "2022-01", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) today issued a statement after learning that the vast majority of crab houses on the Eastern Shore are unlikely to receive the H-2B non-immigrant guest workers they need to maintain peak operations during the upcoming season due to the inadequate yearly cap and lottery system for allocating those visas. For the period beginning April 1st and ending September 30th, the number of guest worker visas applied for stands at over 136,000 \u2013 with only 33,000 available. This is grossly inadequate given the proven demand.\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following statement:\n\n\"In order to support the iconic crab houses of Maryland's Eastern Shore and other seasonal businesses across the country, Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas and the Biden Administration must immediately release the additional H-2B visas for the second half of Fiscal Year 2022 authorized under the Harris/Pingree amendment. Additionally, Congress must continue to work to pass a long-term, bipartisan solution to this chronic shortage of these desperately needed guest worker visas as I did with Senator Mikulski years ago. Without access to these visas, many American-owned seasonal businesses facing severe labor shortages will be forced to scale back or shutter their operations entirely, further driving up prices for goods and services, killing good paying permanent American jobs, and harming local economies. I will continue to work in a bipartisan fashion with my colleagues to solve this problem.\"\n\nThe H-2B guest worker program provides access to seasonal temporary labor to businesses that can prove they were unable to hire willing and qualified American workers in certain non-agricultural seasonal roles. The program is subject to an annual cap of 66,000 visas evenly divided between the first and second half of each fiscal year: October \u2013 March and April \u2013 September. Under the Harris/Pingree amendment to the annual Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Department of Labor, is authorized to release additional visas to meet the needs of seasonal businesses if he finds there are not sufficient American workers willing, qualified, and able to fill these positions. For the first half of Fiscal Year 2022 (ending March 31st, 2022), DHS has announced they will release an additional 20,000 visas above the cap, which will not help many of the seasonal industries on Maryland's Eastern Shore.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:50:39Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 60, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Republican", "p1": "MD", "p2": "2022"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MD&year=2022", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 60, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MD&year=2022", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MD&year=2022", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 60, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MD&year=2022&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MD&year=2022", "results": [{"value": "MD", "label": "MD", "count": 60, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2022", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MD&year=2022", "results": [{"value": "2022", "label": "2022", "count": 60, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MD", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": null, "next_url": null, "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 266.52564108371735, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}