url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-trump-signs-harris-bill-law-rename-postal-office-honoring-local,President Trump Signs Harris Bill into Law to Rename Postal Office Honoring Local Fallen Hero,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: President Trump signed H.R. 4913 to rename a United States Postal facility in honor of the deceased Sgt. Maj. Wardell B. Turner. Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) authored H.R. 4913, which designates the United States Postal facility located at 816 East Salisbury Parkway in Salisbury, Maryland, as the ‘‘Sgt. Maj. Wardell B. Turner Post Office Building."" Congressman Harris made the following statement about the postal office's renaming: ""I am proud to honor Army Sgt. Maj. Wardell Turner by renaming the Postal Office in Salisbury. President Trump and I recognize the honor and sacrifice Sgt. Maj. Turner made for his country. As a veteran, I admire Sgt. Maj. Turner greatly, and his life was a courageous example of strength, dignity, and patriotism. In his passing we will remember him as well as the legacy he left behind with his five children, Shayla, Quinton, Devin, Wardell II, Xavier, several grandchildren, and his devoted wife, Katherine.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-harris-announces-20-million-infrastructure-grant-new-i-95,Congressman Harris Announces $20 Million Infrastructure Grant for New I-95 Interchange in Cecil County,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded a $20 million grant to Cecil County. The Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant provides funding for a new interchange at I-95/Belvidere Road, and for the relocation of Belvidere Road and construction of a new bridge over I-95. In July 2018, Congressman Harris led a letter from members of Maryland's Congressional Delegation to Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao expressing support for this important project. Congressman Harris made the following statement applauding the BUILD grant: ""This BUILD grant in Cecil County is important to the ongoing economic development in the Principio Enterprise Zone and will positively impact Cecil County as well as the First District. The construction of the I-95 interchange will continue to attract and retain innovative and thriving local employers. Because of the strategic location of Cecil County within the Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C. and New York City corridor, the I-95/Belvidere interchange will further stimulate economic growth in this area, with new and existing businesses estimated to create 7,500 jobs. The decision to award Cecil County with this grant shows the tremendous leadership of President Trump and Secretary Chao and their ongoing commitment to improving our infrastructure and our economy."" For press inquiries, please contact Congressman Harris' Washington, D.C. office at 202-225-5311, or contact Julia Nista at Julia.Nista@mail.house.gov. A copy of the delegation letter is attached.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-announces-grant-salisbury-study-wicomico-port,Rep. Harris Announces Grant to Salisbury to Study Wicomico Port,2018-12-05,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: On Tuesday, December 4, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded the City of Salisbury a $37,500 grant to help fund an assessment of a multi-user port along the Wicomico River. The EDA is an agency in the United States Department of Commerce, and this investment funds a port feasibility study to assess the physical and economic viability of a multi-user port along the Wicomico River. EDA grants are awarded through a competitive process based upon the application's merit, the applicant's eligibility, and the availability of funds. Congressman Andy Harris made the following statement regarding the EDA grant: ""I support the federal grant awarded to the City of Salisbury that will go toward an assessment of a multi-user port along the Wicomico River. This port will provide jobs along the Wicomico River and enhance commerce as offload services and local industry exporters will be able to use the port for local business in Maryland's First District.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressional-ukraine-caucus-co-chairs-aggressive-russian-naval,Statement From Congressional Ukraine Caucus Co-Chairs On Aggressive Russian Naval Attack Against Ukraine,2018-11-26,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressional Ukraine Caucus Chairs, Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Andy Harris (R-MD), Sander Levin (D-MI), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) issued a statement rebuking the Russian Federation's aggressive attack on Ukraine near the Kerch Strait in the Sea of Azov: ""As co-chairs of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, we strongly condemn Russia's dangerous naval assault on Ukrainian ships. This episode, as well as Russia's blockade of Ukrainian ports, is a deeply disturbing sign of continued Russian aggression in its efforts to tighten its bloody grip and illegitimate occupation of the Crimean peninsula. ""We join the international community and our NATO allies in resolute affirmation of the fact that Crimea and its surrounding waters belong to Ukraine. We call on Russian authorities, in accordance with international law, to cease any and all interference with access to Ukrainian ports and the Azov Sea. Russia must end this bloody and unjust occupation of Ukrainian sovereign territory."" Six soldiers were injured and three Ukrainian naval ships, along with the crew members, were captured. Read more about the attack here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:10:16Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-commends-president-trump-signing-support-patients-and-communities-act,Harris Commends President Trump for Signing the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Into Law,2018-10-24,2018,2018-10,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) made the following statement commending President Donald Trump's signing H.R. 6 into law, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, and the Administration's ongoing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic: ""I commend President Trump for signing into law the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. As a physician, I know all too well that substance abuse, especially opioid abuse, is an extremely harmful and dangerous illness. Heeding Surgeon General Adam's advice, as I travel across Maryland's 1st District, I personally carry opioid reversal agents everywhere I go. This law will strengthen substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives, and help protect our communities from prescription opioids, heroin, and illicit synthetic drugs like fentanyl. The fight against opioid addiction and substance abuse is long and tough, but with the president signing this bill into law, we are making real progress toward combating the epidemic.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-andy-harris-attend-launch-mistletoe-commerce-business-park-and-local,Rep. Andy Harris to Attend Launch of Mistletoe Commerce-Business Park and Local Clothing Company,2018-10-19,2018,2018-10,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) will meet with Spunkwear, LLC, in Queen Anne's County, and will also participate in the initiation of the Mistletoe Hall Commerce-Business Park alongside Governor Larry Hogan on Friday, October 19. Spunkwear is a women's clothing manufacturer and retailer that makes their products in the USA. Congressman Harris will discuss the effect of tax laws on Spunkwear and its business. Congressman Harris will then attend the Mistletoe Hall Commerce-Business Park initiation. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Commerce approved a grant of $2.3 million to the Town of Easton to help convert vacant woodland and farmland at Mistletoe Hall into a Commerce-Business Park. This investment is expected to create 55 new jobs, help to keep 137 jobs, and to kick-start $4.5 million in private investment. Media are welcome to attend. Date: October 19, 2018 Location 1): Spunkwear, LLC Time: 12:45 – 1:10 pm 235 N. Log Canoe Cir, Stevensville, MD 21666 Location 2): Mistletoe Hall Commerce-Business Park Time: 2:00 – 2:45 pm Goldsborough Neck Road, Easton, MD. Directions: From Route 50, turn onto Airport Road. At the end of the road, take a left. The farm is halfway between Airport and Glebe Road near the S Bend on the east side of the road",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-andy-harris-discuss-aviation-issues-new-easton-airport-manager,Rep. Andy Harris to Discuss Aviation Issues with New Easton Airport Manager,2018-10-15,2018,2018-10,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) will meet with the new manager of Easton Airport on Tuesday, October 16. Constructed for use by the military during World War II, today Easton Airport is one of the busiest general aviation facilities in Maryland. Congressman Harris will discuss general aviation issues and the importance of the Easton Airport to the local economy. Media are welcome to attend. Date: October 16, 2018 Location: Easton Airport Time: 2:30 – 3:00 pm 29137 Newnam Road, Easton, MD 21601",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-andy-harris-meet-government-officials-and-local-businesses-cecil-county,Rep. Andy Harris to Meet with Government Officials and Local Businesses in Cecil County,2018-10-11,2018,2018-10,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) will meet with Cecil County Sheriff Scott Adams on Thursday, October 11, to discuss the opioid epidemic. Congressman Harris will also talk with local employers about how tax reform has helped their business. He will visit Warwick Mushrooms; a part of Phillips Mushroom Farms, one of the largest marketers of specialty mushrooms in the U.S. Rep. Harris will then visit Bluegrass Materials Company, which has three quarries located in Maryland's First District. Bluegrass emphasizes keeping the Chesapeake Bay clean by implementing erosion control and clean watershed policies. Media are welcome to attend; events are not open to the public. Date: October 11, 2018 Location: 1) Warwick Mushrooms Time: 12:00 – 12:30 pm 249 Worsell Manor Road, Warwick, MD 21912 Location 2) Cecil County Sheriff Scott Adams Time: 1:30 – 2:00 pm 107 Chesapeake Blvd, Suite 112, Elkton, MD 21921 Location 3) Bluegrass Materials Company Time: 2:15 – 2:45 pm",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-meet-queen-anne-s-county-economic-development-leadership,Rep. Harris to Meet with Queen Annes County Economic Development Leadership,2018-10-09,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On Tuesday, October 9, Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) will visit the Queen Anne's County Economic Development Division Commission, and will meet with the Chairwoman of the Kent Narrows Development Foundation. Following the meeting, Congressman Harris will visit Cult Classic Brewing in Stevensville, MD. Media are welcome to attend. Date: October 9, 2018 Location 1) QAC Economic Development Commission Time: 3:00 3:45 pm Chesapeake Exploration and Visitors Center 425 Piney Narrows Road, Chester MD, 21619 Location 2) Kent Narrows Development Foundation Time: 4:00 4:30 pm Same Location Location 3) Cult Classic Brewing Time: 5:00 5:30 pm 1169 Shopping Center Road, Stevensville, MD 21666 ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-meet-queen-annes-county-economic-development-leadership,Rep. Harris to Meet with Queen Anne’s County Economic Development Leadership,2018-10-09,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: On Tuesday, October 9, Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) will visit the Queen Anne's County Economic Development Division Commission, and will meet with the Chairwoman of the Kent Narrows Development Foundation. Following the meeting, Congressman Harris will visit Cult Classic Brewing in Stevensville, MD. Media are welcome to attend. Date: October 9, 2018 Location 1) QAC Economic Development Commission Time: 3:00 – 3:45 pm Chesapeake Exploration and Visitors Center 425 Piney Narrows Road, Chester MD, 21619 Location 2) Kent Narrows Development Foundation Time: 4:00 – 4:30 pm Same Location Location 3) Cult Classic Brewing Time: 5:00 – 5:30 pm 1169 Shopping Center Road, Stevensville, MD 21666",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-andy-harris-update-response-aggressive-protesters-outside,"Congressman Andy Harris Update on Response to Aggressive Protesters Outside of Washington, D.C. Office",2018-10-03,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Harris, M.D. (MD-01) made the following statement on aggressive Marijuana protesters outside of the D.C. office on October 2, 2018: ""After I was physically confronted by protestors attempting to physically force their way through a private doorway into my office in Washington, D.C., the same violent protesters then attempted to forcibly open the main door to the office. In potentially dangerous situations like this, especially when a physical confrontation has already occurred, staff and Members of Congress are instructed by the Sergeant at Arms and the Capitol police to immediately lock down the entire office suite, and to call for Capitol police support. And that's exactly what my staff did, despite the efforts of the protesters to force the second door open as well. Some of these same protesters have participated in, and disrupted, town halls by talking over other constituents. I commend my staff for keeping a level head during dangerous circumstances. Yesterday's events were truly shocking, and I strongly condemn those who promote physical confrontation as an appropriate response or solution to policy disagreements. Despite the protestor's aggressive confrontation, I remain committed to pursuing the legitimate medical research into marijuana through legislation in a bipartisan effort that I have sponsored alongside some of Congress' leading marijuana proponents."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-andy-harris-supports-trump-administration-nafta-renegotiations,Congressman Andy Harris Supports Trump Administration NAFTA Renegotiations,2018-10-02,2018,2018-10,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) supports the Trump administration in NAFTA renegotiations between the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The purpose of these negotiations is two-fold: first, to update the 24-year-old agreement with modern provisions representing a 21st century agreement. Second, the renegotiation will rebalance the agreement to better serve the interests of American workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses. When finalized and implemented, the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will create more balanced, reciprocal trade that supports high-paying jobs for Americans and grows the North American economy. The agreement will open Canada's market to American dairy products – which had been effectively blocked prior to renegotiation. The agreement will also protect American intellectual property, and prohibit the importation of goods produced by forced labor. Rep. Harris released the following statement supporting the Trump administration's trade negotiations: ""I support the Trump administration's renegotiation of the 24-year-old NAFTA trade agreement. The president is modernizing NAFTA with this trade deal, and is helping protect American free trade. All sectors of the economy, from agriculture to auto manufactures to new technological developments, will be protected from these renegotiations with Canada and Mexico.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-congressman-andy-harris-announces-justice-department-grant-school-violence,Rep. Congressman Andy Harris Announces Justice Department Grant for School Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training,2018-10-02,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: The U.S. Department of Justice issued a grant to the Maryland Department of Education for $333,333 to support programs relating to School Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training. The program provides: (1) training for school personnel and educating students to prevent student violence; (2) development and operation of anonymous reporting systems concerning threats of school violence, including mobile telephone applications, hotlines, and websites; and (3) development and operation of school threat assessment and crisis intervention teams that may include coordination with law enforcement agencies and school personnel. In addition, the program may fund specialized training for school officials in intervening and responding to individuals with mental health issues who may impact school safety. Funding for this program will support the improvement of school security by providing students and teachers with the tools they need to recognize and respond quickly to violent attacks, mitigate risk exposure, and prevent acts of violence. The funds will further support the development of threat assessment and crisis intervention teams and anonymous reporting systems, designed to identify threats before they materialize, including those that originate from individuals with mental health issues; and for the training of students, school personnel and local law enforcement officers necessary to partner together in preventing violent events from happening. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) made the following statement regarding the grant award: ""As a member of the Committee on Appropriations, I am pleased to announce this Justice Department grant that will help support mental health training and prevention of school violence in Maryland schools. We need to provide schools with the resources needed to keep our children safe. I am proud to help educators and students better recognize, respond to, and prevent acts of violence. These funds will also help school personnel partner with local law enforcement, and as a physician, I particularly support efforts to identify and treat threats from individuals with mental health issues.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-supports-house-bills-tax-cuts-and-combating-opioid-crisis,Harris Supports House Bills on Tax Cuts and Combating the Opioid Crisis,2018-09-28,2018,2018-09,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) voted for a series of bills designed to protect the American taxpayer, collectively known as Tax Reform 2.0. These bills include: H.R. 6756, the American Innovation Act, H.R. 6757, the Family Savings Act, and H.R. 6760, the Protecting Family and Small Business Tax Cuts Act. Dr. Harris also voted on a series of bills designed to combat the opioid crisis. Dr. Harris made the following statement lauding the passage of these bills: ""This week, the House of Representatives passed a series of bills that will lift the burden of heavy taxes on American families permanently, and will provide relief for those who are struggling due to the opioid crisis. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provided great relief to the American taxpayer. This week's series of bills, known more commonly as Tax Reform 2.0, will lock in the progress we've made in reducing taxes across the board. This progress features important tax cuts for hard-working, middle class taxpayers, including provisions for those earning under $50,000 of income that will reduce their share of the total federal tax burden from 4.2 percent to 3.9 percent. The opioid crisis has hit Maryland pretty hard, but we are committed to strongly combatting this crisis in the House of Representatives. Today, the House made clear that overcoming our opioid epidemic is a top federal priority. I am dedicated to ensuring Marylanders receive greater preventive education, improved access to treatment, and reduced prescriptions of opioids where those prescriptions are unnecessary. Our country deserves long-lasting solutions to the opioid crisis, and I will continue to work with Governor Hogan, President Trump, and the whole of Congress to fight this public health epidemic and support American taxpayers.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:06:18Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-andy-harris-announces-justice-department-grant-combat-sex-offenders,Rep. Andy Harris Announces Justice Department Grant to Combat Sex Offenders in Maryland,2018-09-28,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: The U.S. Department of Justice issued a grant to the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services in Baltimore, MD for $231,202 to support programs under the national sex offender registration system, called the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. Sex offender registration is a system for monitoring and tracking sex offenders following their release into the community. The registration provides important information about convicted sex offenders to local and federal authorities and the public, such as offender's name, current location and past offenses. The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services will use the grant to hire staff and purchase equipment. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) made the following statement regarding the grant award: ""As a member of the Committee on Appropriations, I am pleased to announce this Justice Department grant to combat sex offenders in Maryland. We need to provide law enforcement with the resources to keep our families and communities safe from convicted sex offenders. I am proud to help local law enforcement provide information to families in Maryland that will help keep children safe.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:06:18Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-sponsors-border-security-amendment-cromnibus,Harris Sponsors Border Security Amendment to Cromnibus,2018-09-26,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: On Tuesday, September 25, Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) offered a border wall amendment to H.R. 6157, the House bill funding defense, labor, HHS, and education, and continuing funding for other government agencies. His amendment would remove restrictions on Customs and Border Patrol funding for construction of new walls along our southern border. Congressman Harris made the following statement on the amendment: ""Violent, criminal gangs like MS-13 are an increasing problem and remain a critical threat to our nation. My amendment removes Congressionally-imposed restrictions on Customs and Border Patrol authority to use border security funds for whatever purpose they feel most effective, including the construction of a border wall. The amendment would allow funding for the deployment of new sections and new designs of the border wall as President Trump and Customs and Border Patrol deem necessary. I am committed to keeping our promise to the American people to secure our nation. I am confident that my amendment will allow just that.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:06:18Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/ustr-protects-local-maryland-business-following-harris-request,USTR Protects Local Maryland Business Following Harris Request,2018-09-26,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: The United States Trade Representative (USTR) released a list of tariffs with an exemption for a product, 3,5-Dinitro-o-toluamide, that largely affects the operations of Zoetis, a local business in Salisbury, MD. Dinitro-o-toluamide is used in the production of two related products that are very important for the treatment of the infection coccidiosis, especially significant in chicken and turkey production. The Zoetis product Zoalene is used to make Zoamix® and is a feed additive for chickens and turkeys which helps to reduce use of antibiotics in poultry feed. The product is effectively only available from China. Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) requested the exemption for Dinitro-o-toluamide. Congressman Harris released the following statement acknowledging USTR's tariff exemption: ""I support President Trump's efforts to address unfair Chinese trade practices and theft of American technology, and tariffs could be an effective method to acquire needed reform. However, some products used in American manufacturing are only available from China. It simply makes sense to exclude these ‘sole-source' items from the tariff list. I am thankful that USTR agreed to my request to exempt this product, essential to a local manufacturer and employer on the Eastern Shore, from the list of tariffs placed on Chinese imports. This ingredient is important to the economy on the Eastern Shore and to the health of chicken and poultry production."" For press inquiries, please contact Congressman Harris' Washington, DC office at 202-225-5311, or contact Julia Nista at Julia.Nista@mail.house.gov. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:06:18Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-andy-harris-welcomes-senator-tim-scott-joint-opportunity-zone-tour,Congressman Andy Harris Welcomes Senator Tim Scott for Joint Opportunity Zone Tour,2018-09-21,2018,2018-09,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 welcome Senator Tim Scott (SC) to Maryland's First Congressional District for an Opportunity Zone tour. The tour will highlight the economic climate in the Cecil County Opportunity Zone designated by the Governor under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. They will visit two businesses operating in the Opportunity Zone: Clene Nanomedicine and Operative Experiences. Both businesses are located in North East, MD. Media are welcome to attend. Date: September 24, 2018 Time: 2:15 – 3:15 pm Location: 1) Clene Nanomedicine 500 Principio Parkway West Suite 400 North East, MD 21901 Location 2) Operative Experience 500 Principio Parkway West, Suite 900 North East, MD 21901 Sen. Scott is the primary author of the Opportunity Zone program and was instrumental in its inclusion in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. More information on opportunity zones is available here: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/opportunity-zones-frequently-asked-questions",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:06:18Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-andy-harris-supports-providing-1-billion-toward-opioid-crisis,Congressman Andy Harris Supports Providing $1 Billion Toward Opioid Crisis,2018-09-19,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: On Wednesday, September 19, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded over $1 billion to target the opioid crisis around the country. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SMHSA), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will provide millions of dollars in the form of opioid response grants to combat the devastating crisis. Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01), a physician and member of the Health and Human Services subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement in response to the announcement of funds to target the opioid crisis: ""As a physician and member of the Committee on Appropriations, I am proud to support the Department of Health and Human Services in providing over $1 billion to help communities and healthcare providers combat the opioid epidemic. These grants will provide for medication-assisted addiction treatment, first responders treating overdoses, and increasing overall access to overdose treatment. The opioid epidemic claims thousands of lives in Maryland each year, and today we have sent the American people a clear message that finding a solution to prevent this ongoing public health crisis is a top priority for the federal government. Although there is still much to be done, I remain committed to working closely with President Trump, Governor Hogan, and my colleagues in Congress to ultimately end this public health crisis.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:06:18Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-andy-harris-receives-friend-farm-bureau-award,Congressman Andy Harris Receives Friend of Farm Bureau Award,2018-09-18,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: On Monday, September 10, the American Farm Bureau Federation awarded Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) with the Friend of Farm Bureau award for the 115th Congress. The Congressman received the Friend of Farm Bureau Award three times previously during the 112th, 113th, and 114th Congressional Terms. This will be his fourth consecutive Congressional term receiving the award. ""The American Farm Bureau Federation gives the Friend of Farm Bureau award to members of Congress who have supported Farm Bureau's position on policy issues, as demonstrated by their voting records, and who were nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus and approved by the AFBF Board of Directors. The voting records are based on issues selected by the AFBF Board,"" said Dale Moore, Vice President of Public Affairs.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:06:18Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-andy-harris-receives-nfib-guardian-small-business-award,Congressman Andy Harris Receives NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award,2018-09-17,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: On Thursday, September 13, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) awarded Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) with the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award for the 115th Congress. Jon Kurrle, Vice President of Federal Government Relations, awarded Congressman Harris with the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award on behalf of the congressman's ""strong small business voting record in the 115th Congress"" and his ""support of small business and free enterprise."" The Congressman received the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award three times previously during the 112th, 113th, and 114th Congressional Terms. This will be his fourth consecutive Congressional term receiving the award. Congressman Harris issued the following statement upon receiving the award: ""I am honored to receive the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business. The NFIB is a strong advocate for small businesses across America. Small businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators are the backbone of our country and employ the majority of our workforce. For many people, owning their own business is part of the American Dream. I will continue to support efforts to reduce the tax and regulatory burdens faced by our small employers.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:06:18Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-andy-harris-visit-salisbury-mac-center,Congressman Andy Harris To Visit Salisbury MAC Center,2018-09-17,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: On Wednesday, September 19, Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) will visit the Maintaining Active Citizens (MAC) center, a non-profit working with local seniors. Congressman Harris will tour the facility and receive an update on MAC's various programs. Date: September 19, 2018 Time: 10:00 – 11:15 am Location: 909 Progress Cir. Salisbury, MD 21804",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:06:18Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-representatives-passes-harris-bill-rename-postal-office-honoring-local,House of Representatives Passes Harris Bill To Rename Postal Office Honoring Local Fallen Hero,2018-09-13,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: On Thursday, September 13th, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4913 to rename a United States Postal facility in honor of the deceased Sgt. Maj. Wardell B. Turner. Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) is the original author of H.R. 4913, which will designate the United States Postal facility located at 816 East Salisbury Parkway in Salisbury, Maryland, as the ‘‘Sgt. Maj. Wardell B. Turner Post Office Building''. Congressman Harris released the following statement lauding its passage: ""Husband, father and soldier, Army Sgt. Maj. Wardell Turner died from wounds suffered from a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED) while serving our country in Afghanistan on November 24, 2014. As a veteran, I greatly admire Sgt. Maj. Turner's remarkable service. The memory of his life is a true example of courage, strength, and perseverance. In 1993, he enlisted in the Army and served globally in places such as Germany, South Korea, Bosnia, and Iraq. While earning the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and other Meritorious Service Medals, he climbed up the enlisted ranks, earning the title of Sgt. Maj. in 2013. While in high school, his leadership and ability on the football team for the Bennett High School Clippers earned the team two state titles in 1982 and 1983. Wardell's athleticism eventually led him to an athletic scholarship for Towson University. In 2011, he earned his master's degree in criminal justice from Central Missouri State University. Sgt. Maj. Turner was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in January of 2015. Last year, friends, family and high school teammates gathered at the Wicomico Presbyterian Church to retire his Bennett High School jersey and celebrate his life and military service. In 2016, Towson University created the ""Wardell Turner Scholarship"", and Mayor Jake Day of Salisbury proclaimed October 28, 2017 as ""Sgt. Maj, Wardell Turner Day"". Wardell Turner left a lasting legacy in his community -- a legacy that continues with his five children, Shayla, Quinton, Devin, Wardell II, Xavier, several grandchildren, and his devoted wife, Katherine. We will always cherish the memory and service of Sgt. Maj. Wardell Turner to his family, community, and country.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:06:18Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-andy-harris-statement-public-viewing-us-capitol-late-senator-john,Congressman Andy Harris Statement on Public Viewing at the U.S. Capitol of Late Senator John McCain,2018-08-27,2018,2018-08,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) issued the following statement on the passing of late Senator John McCain and the following viewing details: ""On Saturday, I received the incredibly heartbreaking news that the widely respected former Presidential candidate and fellow Naval officer Senator John McCain passed away. I know Marylanders are mourning over his passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to family and friends of the late Senator McCain, and he will be honored by a viewing in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda."" The U.S. Capitol Rotunda will be open to the public for a viewing from 1:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, August 31. Those interested should enter the Capitol through the Capitol Visitors Center. All tours will be closed at the Capitol and the Capitol Visitors Center on Friday, August 31 and until 1:00 pm Saturday, September 1.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:04:48Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-andy-harris-announces-wicomico-county-town-hall,Congressman Andy Harris Announces Wicomico County Town Hall,2018-08-10,2018,2018-08,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) will host his 69th brick-and-mortar town hall meeting on Friday, August 10 in Wicomico County. All residents of Maryland's First District are welcome to attend the town hall to ask questions and voice their concerns about issues under consideration in Congress. Date: August 10, 2018 Time: 7:00 – 8:00 PM Location: Black Diamond Lodge 219 Fruitland Boulevard (Rt. 13) Fruitland, MD 21826",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:04:48Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/house-committee-approves-harris-amendment-fix-h-2b-visa-system,House Committee Approves Harris Amendment to Fix H-2B Visa System,2018-07-27,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"15 East Churchville Road Suite 102B Bel Air, MD 21014 By Appointment Only Phone: 410-588-5670",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/harris-articles-impeachment-tool-extract-doj-cooperation,Harris: Articles Of Impeachment A Tool To Extract DOJ Cooperation,2018-07-26,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Wednesday, after a meeting with Department of Justice officials, 11 House Republicans filed articles of impeachment against Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein Maryland Rep. Andy Harris joined The C4 Show Thursday, saying he was not one of the co-sponsors, but agreed with the rationale. ""I'm not a co-sponsor of it but I agree with the idea that we have to get the Department of Justice to cooperate with the Congressionalsubpoenas and if this is what it takes then this is what it takes,"" Harris said. Listen to the full interview here (WBAL)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/harris-corrects-record,Harris corrects the record,2018-07-26,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Earlier this week, the Star Democrat published a letter to the editor falsely claiming that I voted to strip federal funds to enforce Bay cleanup efforts. This could not be further from the truth, so I am writing to correct the record. The U.S. House of Representatives recently voted on the 2019 Interior Appropriations bill and amendments to that bill. This is the appropriations bill that contains critical funding for the Chesapeake Bay Program. One of the amendments offered to this bill included language restricting the federal government from penalizing states that fail to meet pollution reduction standards, including Chesapeake Bay cleanup efforts. I voted againstthis amendment, just like the rest of Maryland's representatives in the House, because the Chesapeake Bay cleanup effort is not the sole responsibility of Maryland. Water from several states flows into the Bay, and cleanup must be a multi-state effort. Unfortunately this amendment passed despite my opposition to it. When the time came to vote on the final Interior Appropriations bill, I voted for the bill because it continues to fully fund the Chesapeake Bay Program at $73 million for next year. The claim that I voted to strip funds from Chesapeake Bay cleanup efforts here is 100 percent false. In fact, I am the only member of Congress in the Maryland delegation to vote for the Bay Program's continued funding for next year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/hogan-feds-sign-maryland-model-all-payer-contract,"Hogan, feds sign Maryland Model all-payer contract",2018-07-25,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"ANNAPOLIS Governor Larry Hogan, together with Seema Verma, administrator of the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), July 9 signed and officially enacted Maryland's Total Cost of Care All-Payer Model, known as the Maryland Model, in a signing ceremony at the Maryland State House. Hogan and Verma were joined by Maryland Department of Health Secretary Robert Neall, Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Speaker of the House Michael Busch, as well as numerous health care industry representatives and advocates. The Maryland Model is an innovative approach to health care provider payment that is unique to Maryland and made possible via a contract between CMS and the state. The new model contract is expected to provide an additional $300 million in savings per year by 2023, totaling $1 billion in savings over five years. We are thrilled to be here today to officially execute and enact our unique and innovative Maryland Model, which is the only one of its kind in the nation, said Governor Larry Hogan. Today, we are taking another major step forward in our efforts to ensure that every Marylander has access to quality health care. It is my hope that these actions will be an example to the nation that when both sides of the aisle and all levels of government come together to develop innovative solutions, we can make real progress toward addressing our health care challenges and making care more accessible and more affordable. Hogan recognized and thanked Verma, along with Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, Secretary Neall, Maryland Department of Health COO Dennis Schrader, Health Services Cost Review Commission Chairman Nelson Sabatini, the presiding officers, and the stakeholders and advocates who worked to make this important achievement possible. This Model is a step towards aligning the entire delivery system toward paying for value over volume, said CMS Administrator Seema Verma. Maryland has led the way by adopting the first alternative payment model to shift hospital payments to full global budgets. Success under this new Model will require both hospitals and physicians to be equally committed to payment transformation and care redesign. We look forward to seeing the great work to come and to continuing to partner with you Governor Hogan, and the whole state of Maryland in this bold initiative. This new agreement is the result of a sustained and coordinated federal-state effort to recognize the success of Maryland's system that manages the cost of patient care in a cost-effective way, while maintaining quality and results, said U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, a member of the Senate Finance Health Care Subcommittee, which has oversight responsibility for CMS. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but the Maryland Model can show other states how to successfully reward quality over quantity and concentrate on how to best manage a patient's care. Maryland has been a leader in the effort to incentivize our health care system to emphasize the quality of care over the quantity of care and to focus on value, not volume. In fact, our unique All-Payer Demonstration Model has met or exceeded every quality and performance measure over the last five years, said U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen. This new agreement between CMS and the state will allow that vital work to continue. I'm committed to working with Maryland officials, health care providers, and the federal government to reduce costs and improve our quality of care and health outcomes for families across our state. The Maryland Model is a testament to Governor Hogan and Administrator Verma's commitment to helping Maryland families and driving health care innovation, said Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. Their close work with key stakeholders, including nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, physicians, and hospitals, delivered a new, extended version of the Maryland Model that will be even more effective in controlling the cost of health care while maintaining access, and in improving the quality of outcomes for Maryland patients. MedChi applauds the extension of the Maryland Medicare Waiver as a monumental achievement which is the result of bipartisan leadership and hard work by the Hogan Administration with the Maryland General Assembly and the Maryland Congressional Delegation, said MedChi CEO Gene M. Ransom. The Maryland State Medical Society MedChi is particularly excited about the new Maryland Primary Care Program that will expand Medicare service and access to thousands of Marylanders. Maryland's previous All-Payer Model, approved in 2014, has already saved Medicare more than $586 million through 2016, compared to national spending. Under the current model, hospitals have successfully reduced unnecessary readmissions and hospital-acquired conditions while decreasing the growth in hospital cost per capita. The new Maryland Model will expand this successful approach across the health care system when it takes effect on January 1, 2019 and extends through the end of 2023. The contract can then be extended for an additional five years, pending a review of the terms. The Maryland Model will: Coordinate care across both hospital and non-hospital settings, including mental health and long-term care Invest resources in care that is focused on the patient and enhance primary-care teams to improve individual patient outcomes Set a range of quality and care improvement goals and provide incentives for providers to meet them Concentrate system and community resources on population health goals to help address opioid use and deaths, diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions Encourage and facilitate programs focusing on the unique needs of Marylanders across geographic settings and other key demographics The Maryland Model provides a significant incentive across the health system to provide greater coordinated care, expanded patient-care delivery, and collaboration of chronic disease management, while improving the quality of care at lower costs to the consumer.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-appropriations-committee-approves-5-billion-border-security-measures,House Appropriations Committee Approves $5 Billion for Border Security Measures,2018-07-25,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: On July 25, the House Appropriations Committee passed the FY19 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, its final bill for this year. This bill includes $17.8 billion in discretionary funds for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and $7.4 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Included in CBP's funding is $5 billion for border security assets and infrastructure. This funding will be used to construct more than 200 miles of new physical barrier construction along the southern border and to invest in new border security technology. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) made the following statement lauding the bill's passage: ""I am committed to securing our nation's borders and repairing our immigration system. The funding approved by the committee today will help reduce the frequency of illegal border crossings, decrease the amount of illegal drugs and weapons smuggled into the United States, and expedite investigations, detentions, and removal of criminal immigrants. I urge my colleagues in the House to swiftly pass this legislation, and call on the Senate to take action all of this year's appropriations bills. The end of this fiscal year is quickly approaching, and the American people deserve a proper appropriations package, not to be held hostage by the Democrats for a series of short-term spending bills and government shutdowns.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:02:18Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-appropriations-committee-approves-harris-language-protect-safe-maritime,House Appropriations Committee Approves Harris Language to Protect Safe Maritime Travel,2018-07-25,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: Today, the House Committee on Appropriations is considering the FY19 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) authored, and the committee approved, language urging the United States Coast Guard to ""take any and all steps to ensure the navigational safety for maritime traffic off the coast of Maryland."" Congressman Harris sponsored this language in response to the Coast Guard's finding that the proposed 86 offshore wind turbines off the coast of Ocean City, MD would pose ""unacceptable navigational safety risks."" Congressman Harris issued the following statement after the amendment was passed: ""The 86 offshore wind turbines planned off the coast of Ocean City pose serious risks to maritime navigational safety, commercial fishing, and tourism. Federal bureaucrats within the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management snubbed the Coast Guard's concerns about this proposal in the past, but legitimate safety risks cannot be ignored. The Coast Guard has cooperated and sought safety first in all discussions of these propose wind turbines, and I am confident the Coast Guard will ensure that these turbines will not be constructed in a region that jeopardizes safe maritime travel.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:02:18Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-appropriations-committee-approves-harris-language-repairing-h-2b-visa,House Appropriations Committee Approves Harris Language Repairing H-2B Visa Program,2018-07-25,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: Today, the House Committee on Appropriations is considering the FY19 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) authored, and the committee approved, an amendment to permanently fix the H-2B visa program. The seafood processing industry and other employers on Maryland's Eastern Shore depend on this program to hire temporary workers when they cannot find Americans interested in their job openings. Congressman Harris made the following statement after the amendment was passed: ""Unfortunately, the current structure of the H-2B visa program cannot accommodate the recent and substantial increase in demand for temporary guest workers. My amendment will ease the current strain on the H-2B program by exempting returning workers from the annual 66,000 visa limit, and by fixing the current problem of the ""all or nothing"" allocation system. In the event that even the higher limits authorized by my amendment are not enough to satisfy all the needs in a given year, the Department of Homeland Security will be able to distribute visas through a proportional allocation system, so all businesses in the application pool will receive at least a portion of the visas they requested. The hardships created by this year's shortage of visas should never be allowed to happen again. Small businesses on the Eastern Shore and across the United States depend on these temporary guest workers when they cannot find Americans to fill their job openings. I commend my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee for supporting this important reform, and I hope Maryland's Senators will support this reform as well.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:02:18Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/rep-harris-commemorates-anniversary-easton-airport,Rep. Harris Commemorates Anniversary of Easton Airport,2018-07-24,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"On July 24, 2018, Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) spoke on the House floor to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Easton Airport. Watch Here (C-SPAN)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-releases-statement-support-grant-job-training-maryland-rehab,Rep. Harris Releases Statement in Support of Grant for Job Training in Maryland Rehab Facilities,2018-07-24,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: On July 24, the U.S. Department of Labor announced it will issue a $2 million grant for the implementation of job training programs in substance abuse rehabilitation facilities in Maryland. This grant is part of a broader $22 million effort to provide reemployment services for individuals affected by substance abuse disorder. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) released the following statement in support of this grant: ""Finding work after undergoing substance abuse treatment is not always easy, but patients are more likely to stay healthy, happy, and sober when they are able to work and succeed economically. President Trump and Secretary Acosta's decision to issue this grant for job training in rehab facilities will provide life changing opportunities for Marylanders in recovery. The programs funded by this grant will play a key role in preventing relapses and in fighting the opioid epidemic in Maryland.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:02:18Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/md-congressmen-introduce-two-election-bills,MD Congressmen Introduce Two Election Bills,2018-07-20,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"15 East Churchville Road Suite 102B Bel Air, MD 21014 By Appointment Only Phone: 410-588-5670",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/two-md-congressman-introduce-bill-prohibit-foreign-ownership-election-systems,Two MD Congressman Introduce a Bill to Prohibit Foreign Ownership of Election Systems,2018-07-19,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"15 East Churchville Road Suite 102B Bel Air, MD 21014 By Appointment Only Phone: 410-588-5670",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-issues-statement-amendment-authorizing-planting-gmo-seed,Rep. Harris Issues Statement on Amendment Authorizing Planting of GMO Seed,2018-07-19,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: On July 19, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6147, the Department of the Interior, Environment, Financial Services, and General Government Appropriations Act for 2019. Included in this legislation is an amendment to authorize the planting of genetically-modified (GMO) seed on National Wildlife Refuge land. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) issued the following statement in support of this amendment: ""In 2014, the United States Fish & Wildlife Service banned the planting of genetically-modified seed on National Wildlife Refuge land, without scientific cause. The crops planted on NWR lands, like the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Dorchester County, are a key component of the ecosystems in which they are planted, providing cover and food for wildlife. Genetically-modified crops are scientifically safe and more sustainable than non-GMOs. GMO crops are more likely to withstand harsh weather, and are critical to increasing the population of ducks, geese, and other waterfowl inhabiting these lands. I applaud my Republican colleagues in the House of Representatives for reversing the Fish & Wildlife Service's scientifically unsound policy.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:02:18Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-issues-statement-passage-fy19-interior-appropriations-bill,Rep. Harris Issues Statement on Passage of FY19 Interior Appropriations Bill,2018-07-19,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: On July 19, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6147, the Department of the Interior, Environment, Financial Services, and General Government Appropriations Act for 2019. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) made the following statement in support of the bill's passage: ""Today, the U.S House of Representatives approved $73 million in funding for the Chesapeake Bay Program. This funding allows ongoing Bay cleanup efforts to continue through next year, and will keep the Bay healthy for fisherman, oystermen, crabbers, and recreational activities. This legislation also addresses the proposed 86 offshore wind turbines to be built off the coast of Ocean City, by urging the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to work with other federal agencies, the State of Maryland, and the people of Ocean City to come to a consensus on the wind turbines' height and distance from the shore before any construction and operations plan (COP) is approved. Offshore wind is a critical issue for the people of Ocean City, and the federal government should not override the will of the local community on this issue. I commend my Republican colleagues in the House for their continued support of the Chesapeake Bay Program, and for their attention to the issue of offshore wind.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:02:18Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/rep-harris-c4-show-july-13-2018,"Rep. Harris on C4 Show, July 13, 2018",2018-07-13,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) appears on WBAL Radio'sC4 Show to discuss recent NATO conference and Peter Strzok's testimony before the House Judiciary and Oversight Committees. Listen Live Here (WBAL Radio)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/harris-leads-bipartisan-effort-seasonal-workers,Harris leads bipartisan effort for seasonal workers,2018-07-11,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"CENTREVILLE In a bipartisan letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristjen Nielsen dated June 26, Republican Congressman Andy Harris, R-1st, along with 82 other U.S. Representatives, urged for more H-2B visas. H-2B visas are only granted if the applicant already has a job offer from an employer, the employee must meet the minimum qualification for that position, it is submitted to the U.S. Immigration Bureau and the employee must return home when the visa expires. If the perspective worker is outside the U.S., the employee needs to apply with the U.S. Consulate. Seasonal industries across Maryland's First District and across the United States rely on the H-2B visa program for temporary guest workers when they cannot find American workers, said Harris in a statement. H-2B guest workers pay American taxes, collect no government benefits, support American jobs, and return to their home countries when their visas expire. Every H-2B worker is estimated to create and sustain almost five American jobs. Harris continued saying that Nielsen should heed the call of seasonal small businesses nationwide, and release additional H-2B visas. In 2018, the Department of Homeland Security has released an additional 15,000 H-2B visas for foreign workers in temporary or seasonal nonagricultural jobs. In 2017, the Center for Immigration Studies calculated there were 3,864 H-2B visas issued for Maryland with the average hourly wage being $13.36. That same study found the number of the certified H-2B workers to include: 27 in Stevensville, 18 in Grasonville, 54 in Wye Mills, 100 in Cambridge, 25 in Secretary, 275 in Fishing Creek, 30 in Hoopersville and one in Chestertown. According to the letter, the Secretary of Homeland Security is empowered by the FY 2018 Omnibus Appropriations Act, to consult with the Secretary of Labor to approve petitions for admission under the H-2B nonimmigrant temporary worker program up to the new statutory level set in the bill for this fiscal year. The letter also argued that the additional 15,000 H-2B visas have not met the demonstrated labor needs of seasonal businesses this year. Citing the distinct lack of U.S. workers either unqualified or unwilling to fill those positions, the signees called upon the DHS to resume processing such visas. Ignoring the request, according the Congressmen, would imperil domestic companies. The lack of H-2B workers jeopardizes the survival of small and seasonal businesses and puts their American workers at risk for losing their jobs. We continue to hear from employers in our districts about business losses, harmful impacts to U.S. workers, and in some cases, the need to close. noted the letter. Much of the economic profile of the Maryland's Eastern Shore involves the fishing and hospitality industriesboth heavily contingent on seasonal ebbs and flows. According to 2018 data by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Maryland boasts 470,000 trade jobs and 277,000 leisure and hospitality jobs. We do some business with Maryland crab meat picking operations who were affected by those restrictions, said Keith Parkerson, general manager of United Shellfish in Grasonville. We've had to deal with less crabs picked early in the season because they lacked the employees. I hope things improve, but I don't how quickly they can turn around and get the personnel here they need. Thus far, the Trump administration or the DHS has yet to make any decision on the release of any additional H-2B visas.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/rep-harris-visits-ashley-campus-talk-opioid-strategy,Rep. Harris visits Ashley campus to talk opioid strategy,2018-07-10,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"HAVRE DE GRACE U.S. Rep. Andy Harris (R-1st District) discussed addiction treatment's successes and challenges with officials at Ashley Addiction Treatment on Tuesday. Harris previously toured Ashley's facilities in Elkton in March to talk to officials about issues related to the nation's opioid epidemic. During Harris' tour of the Havre de Grace location on Tuesday, the congressman said he has heard from law enforcement officials who don't know what to do to help addicts after responding to a call at the same address for the third or fourth time. They feel like there's nothing they can do, he said. The system doesn't allow them to strongly encourage that person to go into a treatment program. Richard Przywara, senior vice president of operations at Ashley, said Harris' visit was part of Ashley's outreach to get people to know about the treatment center and its resources. Ashley wants to tell its story more, Przywara said. In the call center, an insurance analyst looks at whether Ashley is medically and financially appropriate for potential patients, said Marlena Faith Leonard, Ashley's admissions and utilization review manager. If someone's not appropriate for our facilities, we will refer them out, she explained. We will find them a place to go. So we don't just drop the ball and say We're done with you because we can't help you.' We have a department that actually refers them out. Ashley does provide financial assistance to some patients who cannot afford to stay at the facilities on their own. Last year, Ashley gave out $3.6 million in scholarships to patients, according to Przywara. Furthermore, Ashley gives away 6.3 percent of all of its beds to help people without medical insurance, Przywara said. Ashley provides seven to eight scholarship beds per month, two beds to Harford County and two beds to Cecil County, Leonard added. Dr. Greg Hobelmann, Ashley's chief medical officer, said that addiction treatment is a community-driven mission. We want to be collaborative with all of the partners in Maryland, throughout Maryland, at all levels of care to create a system that works, he said. We want to be collaborative with societies, with the other providers to really figure out a way that we can tackle this and provide the best care throughout the state rather than being isolated individuals that are treating. While every bed on campus is currently full, Przywara said that if Ashley is not able to take a patient, they are committed to referring that patient to a facility that can. We feel once you call, we need to help get you in the door somewhere, he said. Ashley also has programs at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air and Union Hospital in Elkton. Part of Ashley's model is about providing treatment as close to patients as possible, including within those hospitals, Pryzwara explained. That's how close we have to be to the problem, because you've got to catch the people when they're hurting, when they're ready, he said. It's reaching the bottom. When the alcoholic or drug addict reaches their bottom, they're ready for treatment. So you need to be nearby when they hit that bottom. You have to have a bed available when they hit that bottom. You have to have a space in your outpatient when they hit that bottom. With Ashley's collaboration with hospitals, Przywara hopes to prevent addicts from ending up in the emergency room. One of the things that the treatment centers especially Ashley is working on with hospitals is to show that good treatment keeps people out of the ER, he said. Przywara said that putting more of an emphasis on addiction treatment and recovery would be economically beneficial to both patients and the government. If you can get someone off and sober, that $20,000 ER visit and that $6,000 sheriff detention disappears from the equation, he said. There are significant savings in the transaction of providing care to a person with sobriety, with an alcohol- or drug-free lifestyle. While Przywara said it's difficult to get people on board with spending more money on addiction treatment, he stressed that doing so would save more money and more lives in the long run. He also acknowledged that many law enforcement officials may feel out of their depth when it comes to responding to calls for opioid and other drug addicts. They've suddenly become a first responder in an area where they weren't first responding to five or 10 years ago, he said. Harris, one of the few physicians serving in Congress, said that in order to interrupt the cycle of overdoses and imprisonment, the system must be reshaped to push more for treatment options. I'm a civil libertarianist as much as the next guy, but the fact of the matter is you committed an illegal act, you used an illegal substance in most cases or used a substance that is not illegal but used it illegally, he said. Part of the quid pro quo should be if you agree to get treatment, you know you don't have to spend the next x' amount of time in jail We ought to realize that's actually going to help if you bring them to treatment. The congressman advocated for having people choose between prison and treatment. You have to make the alternative [to treatment] pretty darn bad because it's not death, Harris said. You just escaped the worst alternative. Hobelmann and Przywara said Ashley is in full support of medication-assisted treatment. But Przywara added that Ashley also looks for other ways to help patients in the recovery process. We use medically-assisted treatment here but the idea of going with an abstinence program, which is our core belief, this is what you get which in our view is a better result, he said. Ultimately, Hobelmann said addiction treatment is about working with patients to figure out what the best pathway for recovery is for them. The right treatment for the right patient is what we want, bottom line, he said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-issues-statement-nomination-judge-kavanaugh-supreme-court,Rep. Harris Issues Statement on Nomination of Judge Kavanaugh to Supreme Court,2018-07-09,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: On July 9, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) made the following statement regarding President Trump's nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court: ""Judge Kavanaugh is a fine choice to fill Justice Kennedy's seat on the Supreme Court. Judge Kavanaugh is a brilliant legal mind, and is well suited to follow in the footsteps of Justice Kennedy, for whom he previously clerked. As Judge Kavanaugh was previously confirmed by a bipartisan Senate vote, I hope the Senate will again confirm him without delay."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:02:18Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-andy-harris-opens-application-military-service-academy-nominations,Rep. Andy Harris Opens Application for Military Service Academy Nominations,2018-07-05,2018,2018-07,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 2023. Congressman Harris will nominate some of the finest students from Maryland's 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. Admission 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's Congressman or Senator. The deadline to apply for a nomination from Congressman Harris is October 22, 2018. All qualified residents of Maryland's First District are encouraged to apply. Interviews will be conducted in the fall by Congressman Harris' 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' nominations by December 31, 2018.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:02:18Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-urges-baltimore-county-executive-comply-federal-immigration-law,Rep. Harris Urges Baltimore County Executive to Comply with Federal Immigration Law,2018-06-28,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: On June 28, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) sent a letter to Baltimore County Executive Don Mohler concerning the County Executive's position on illegal immigration and border security. Congressman Harris sent this letter after County Executive Mohler wrote to the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, expressing disdain for the Trump administration's immigration policies. Congressman Harris made the following statement regarding the letter: ""The State of Maryland has the second highest frequency of MS-13 gang activity in the nation, second only to California. I am concerned that County Executive Mohler will not comply with federal immigration law, and instead follow the policies of his predecessor and establish Baltimore County as a sanctuary for criminal illegal immigrants. No one wants to see children separated from their parents, and the federal government is taking action to keep together families detained for illegally crossing the border. But the safety of Maryland's citizens is my top priority, and compliance with federal immigration law keeps Marylanders safe. I urge County Executive Mohler to comply with federal immigration law.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:59:28Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-issues-statement-supreme-court-s-travel-ban-decision,Rep. Harris Issues Statement on Supreme Courts Travel Ban Decision,2018-06-26,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On June 26, the United States Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of President Trump in the case Trump v. Hawaii. The ruling maintains that President Trump actedlawfully in his executive order to restrict travel from nations that have failed to meet enhanced visa security requirements. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) issued the following statement in support of the decision: The national security of the United States is President Trump's top priority. I applaud the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the President's constitutional authority to implement national security and immigration policies that keep the American people safe. The countries affected by this decision have consistently failed to meet visa security requirements, and worse yet, some of these governments openly sponsor terrorist activities. The Supreme Court ruled today in favor of our national security, and on the side of the Constitution. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-leads-bipartisan-letter-dhs-support-seasonal-guest-workers,Rep. Harris Leads Bipartisan Letter to DHS in Support of Seasonal Guest Workers,2018-06-26,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On June 26, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) sent a bipartisan letter, signed by 82 members of the U.S. House of Representatives, to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristjen Nielsen in support of the H-2B visa program. The letter urges the Department of Homeland Security to issue additional H-2B nonimmigrant temporary workers visas, in response to historically high demand for H-2B visas this year. These visas are used by seasonal industries, including the Eastern Shore's seafood processing industry, when businesses are unable to find American workers. Congressman Harris released the following statement regarding this letter: Seasonal industries across Maryland's First District and across the United States rely on the H-2B visa program for temporary guest workers when they cannot find American workers. H-2B guest workers pay American taxes, collect no government benefits, support American jobs, and return to their home countries when their visas expire. Every H-2B worker is estimated to create and sustain almost 5 American jobs. When seasonal businesses cannot hire the temporary workers they need, American businesses and jobs are jeopardized. I urge Secretary Nielsen to heed the call of seasonal small businesses nationwide, and release additional H-2B visas. The final signed copy of the letter is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/supreme-court-rules-protect-pro-life-free-speech,Supreme Court Rules to Protect Pro-Life Free Speech,2018-06-26,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On June 26, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA) in the case NIFLA v. Becerra. The Court ruled that the State of California cannot compel private pro-life pregnancy centers to advertise abortion services. Congressmen Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) and Doug LaMalfa (CA-01) submitted an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in this case, and released the following statements lauding the Supreme Court's decision: The Supreme Court's decision in the NIFLA v. Becerra case is great news for the American people. The government cannot force individuals or private entities to say things they do not believe. California's pro-life pregnancy centers are helping local communities by providing crucial services and supplies at no cost to expectant mothers. The State of California's shameful attempt to compel these centers to advertise abortion services was a gross violation of the First Amendment, and I applaud the Supreme Court's protection of free speech. - Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. The Reproductive FACT Act is an affront to our constitutionally protected freedom of speech. No person or entity can be forced to promote ideas in which they do not believe, but that's exactly what's happening. These pro-life pregnancy centers serve the noble cause of assisting expecting mothers, yet California forces them to advertise for state-subsidized abortions. It's a perfect example of the unapologetic assault on conservative principles by California's liberal state government. I applaud the Supreme Court for making the correct decision and disallowing this outrageous violation of the First Amendment. Even our state's liberal elites cannot bully the Supreme Court. I'd like to thank all of the 144 House and Senate members that signed onto my friend of the Court letter asking the Supreme Court to contemplate and overturn the so-called FACT Act. - Congressman Doug LaMalfa ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-releases-statement-support-patients-and-communities-act,Rep. Harris Releases Statement on SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act,2018-06-22,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On June 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. This package of bipartisan bills includes Medicaid, Medicare, and public health reforms to combat the opioid crisis. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) released the following statement in support of the bill's passage: Today, the House of Representatives passed a package of bipartisan bills to advance substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives, and to protect our communities from prescription opioids, heroin, and illicit synthetic drugs like fentanyl. The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act expands access to substance abuse care, and improves oversight of opioid prescriptions and substance abuse treatment. This legislation also directs the Food and Drug Administration to smooth out the testing and approval processes for non-addictive treatments for pain and addiction, thus expanding patients' options for treatment. As a physician, I understand that substance abuse particularly opioid abuse and misuse is a dangerous disease, but relief is possible if we all join hands and work together on this important issue. The full text of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-committee-approves-harris-language-addressing-international-child,House Committee Approves Harris Language Addressing International Child Abductions,2018-06-21,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On June 20, the House Committee on Appropriations passed the FY19 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) authored, and the committee approved, language regarding international child abduction cases. The language urges the State Department to take all appropriate actions to secure the return of abducted American children, and requires the Secretary of State to submit an annual report of countries with pending cases that are more than 12 months old. Congressman Harris released the following statement in support of the bill's passage: Anastasia and Gabriel Hunkovic, the children of one of my constituents, were abducted to Trinidad and Tobago against an American judge's custody order. The Trinidadian government has refused to comply with the extradition request submitted by the United States government, but I am working diligently to secure the safe return of these children to the United States and to the care of their father. These children are American citizens, and belong with their father here in Maryland. It is imperative that the State Department use every tool available to bring these children back. Congressman Harris' bill language and report language read as follows: Bill Language 7034(g) (Bill Language) International Child Abductions. - The Secretary of State should withhold funds appropriated under title III of this Act for assistance for the central government of any country that is not taking appropriate steps to comply with the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abductions, done at the Hague on October 25, 1980: Provided, That the Secretary shall report to the Committees on Appropriations within 15 days of withholding funds under this subsection. Report Language Child abduction and access.- The Committee notes that when making use of the waiver in section 204 of the Goldman Act (P.L. 113-150), the Secretary of State is required to provide a detailed justification for such waiver involving a country with a pattern of non-compliance. The Committee expects the Secretary of State to comply with this requirement. Further, the Committee directs the Secretary to include in such justification the reason, if any, for why actions 4 through 8 under section 204(d) are not being taken. Additionally, the Secretary shall include in the annual report required by section 101 of such Act a list of countries with pending cases that are more than 12 months old and shall also provide such report to the Committees on Appropriations. The Committee is concerned about reports of the unlawful removal of United States minors to countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, including Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago. The Committee directs the Secretary of State to aggressively advocate for such minors and to work with host governments to facilitate their return. The Secretary of State should also consider taking further actions, as appropriate, such as those described in section 7034(g) of this Act and those contained in section 201(b) of the Goldman Act, with a priority on cases that have been unresolved for more than a year. The full text of the bill and accompanying report can be found on the House Appropriations Committee's website. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-issues-statement-farm-bill-passage,Rep. Harris Issues Statement on Farm Bill Passage,2018-06-21,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On June 21, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act (commonly known as the farm bill). Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) released the following statement in support of the bill's passage: Today, the House of Representatives passed legislation to help struggling Americans get back on their feet. This bill enacts common-sense work requirements for the SNAP (food stamps) program. These work requirements will apply only to able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 49, and can be fulfilled through work, job training, education, and volunteerism. Americans most in need the disabled, elderly, and parents of small children will be exempt from these work requirements. For too long, federal assistance programs have been drained by waste, fraud and abuse. The passage of this bill is progress toward lifting Americans out of poverty, and prevents individuals from taking unfair advantage of the SNAP program. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/md-moves-help-seafood-industry-face-labor-shortage,Md. moves to help seafood industry in face of labor shortage,2018-06-20,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Maryland's Board of Public Works has approved putting $375,000 toward a marketing campaign to help the state's seafood industry, which has been hit by a labor shortage. The vote on Wednesday is intended to help the crab industry after a change in the federal HB2 visa program left a number of Eastern Shore crab houses without the seasonal foreign crab-processing labor they've depended on for years. The money approved by the BPW will go to a Maryland Department of Agriculture program that markets seafood sales. Jay Newcomb, owner of Old Salty's Restaurant, in Fishing Creek on Hooper's Island, said he's been unable to open the doors of his processing plant. We've been closed the entire season, and here it is now almost Fourth of July week and we haven't processed a pound of crabmeat. Newcomb said the state has been helpful in promoting Maryland crabmeat, even before Wednesday's action by the Board of Public Works, and he appreciates the $375,000 investment in promoting the state's seafood industry, But as it is now, we don't have the Maryland crabmeat to sell to customers. Newcomb says his restaurant features crab cakes and seafood dishes stuffed with crabmeat, but he can't offer those specialties. He's also spent $10,000 on the plastic tubs and cups in which customers buy their crabmeat. That's a $10,000 investment that I've got sitting there in storage that I probably won't use this summer. I've got nothing to put in those cups. Newcomb said the situation is frustrating. All we want to do is work, and promote our county and our state. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said in a statement, We remain hopeful that this issue will be resolved at the federal level, but in the meantime, we are doing all we can at the state level to support this iconic industry. Hogan and U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, a Republican from Maryland, have been working to get the federal government to issue more visas.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/talbot-county-maryland-takes-opioid-crisis,"Talbot County, Maryland takes on opioid crisis",2018-06-20,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"EASTON Addiction for Bruce Strazza started at 11 years old, with pills, marijuana and alcohol to numb the pain of his home life. His story is one many Americans currently experience with opioids. Opioids are types of drugs that include; the illegal drug heroin; fentanyl, a synthetic opioid painkiller; and prescription pain relievers that are available legally by prescription that include oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine and morphine. Doctors to treat moderate to severe pain can prescribe prescription opioids, commonly known as known as painkillers. If misused, whether in a larger quantities than prescribed, or taken without a doctor's prescription, it can lead to addiction. Fentanyl is more powerful than other opioids and is approved for treating severe pain, typically advanced cancer pain; and its distribution has been on the rise in several states. The opioid industry expanded in the late 1990s, in response to medical pharmaceutical companies reassuring the medical community that patients would not become addicted to prescription opioid pain relievers. I knew that I wasn't the only kid who was doing it, said Strazza. At 13, I knew that I drank more than the other kids. So when you have the mentality of a 13 year old, and you have an alcoholic father, who you swore you were never going to be like, you were just like. The weight doubles and you will truly never measure up. His life changed on June 16, 1996 when his brother, Mark, was found dead in the basement of an abandoned house in Baltimore City from a heroin overdose, with the needle still in his arm. His brother was 33. This took a big toll on Strazza, leading him to leave his girlfriend's home in early 1997, and go to Baltimore where he was homeless and living under a bridge with thoughts of death. He had his first epiphany on February 7, 1997 when he had his head was hanging on the curb and a car was coming at him, a near death experience that led him to want to live and seek help. The Maryland Department of Health stated that between 2015 and 2016 the number of heroin related deaths increased by 62 percent, from 748 to 1212, and the number of fentanyl-related deaths more than tripled, from 340 to 1119. More than 2,000 deaths have occurred in Maryland in 2016, and 89 percent of them were opioid related. The National Institute of Drug abuse stated that as of February 2018, Maryland is one of the top five states with the highest rates of opioid-related overdosed deaths. Governor Larry Hogan signed an Executive Order on March 1, 2017, declaring a State of Emergency in response to the heroin, opioid, and fentanyl crisis ravaging communities in Maryland. This declaration activates the Governor's Emergency Management Authority and enables increased and more rapid coordination between state agencies and local jurisdictions. Oddly enough, there was a business card for a 12-step fellowship in my brother's room when I was a kid and I stole it, and there was an 800 number there and I called it and they told me where I can find a narcotics program and I went and I stayed for a very long time. My life picked up, said Strazza. During his recovery, he managed to have three businesses, over $100,000 in the bank and lived comfortably in a large home. However, things went downhill, once again, when during his eighth year in recovery when he started selling Percocet, a narcotic prescribed for his back surgery. On May 5, 2010 he started drinking again and he went into his bathroom and started smoking cocaine. It led to crystal meth, and even an addiction to Percocet. I had a doctor that supplied me with the prescriptions. At first I did not use them, said Strazzo. I just went and I had a collections of these pills and they were the same pills that I ended up taking. I wasn't taking them for pain, I started taking them for a different kind of pain like emotional pain from a lost relationship and they made me feel good. On July 10, Strazza planned to commit suicide in the Atlantic Ocean until, according to him, the hand of God led him back to shore. God has given me a purpose to help other men that are struggling the same way, that hurt the way I hurt, said Strazza. He is now an advocate for a 12-step fellowship and manages The Gratitude House for Men.The Gratitude House is a level II (managed) recovery residence for men. They are M-SARR and M-CORR certified and can accommodate 10 residents. They are a program of total abstinence based on the 12-steps of recovery in a caring, family atmosphere. Governor Larry Hogan released a statement regarding to Maryland's eligibility for a $32.9 million State Opioid Response Grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Gov. Hogan and his staff have seen the opioid crisis ravage and destroy families and communities and are finding solutions to combat the issue. Turning the tide of this crisis will take every level of government working together with community organizations and the private sector, and federal engagement and support is essential, said Governor Hogan. We thank the federal government for recognizing the additional needs of states that have been hit the hardest by this epidemic, and we look forward to working together to save Marylanders' lives. Governor Hogan also testified before Congress in March 2018 to advocate for increased federal support for states fighting the scourge of opioid addiction. The Hogan administration has committed over $600 million to fighting the crisis, including $40 million in new funding announced earlier this week. Under Governor Hogan, Maryland became the first state in the country to declare a full State of Emergency in response to the crisis on March 1, 2017. SAMHSA announced recently that it is accepting applications for $930 million in State Opioid Response Grants, which will be distributed to states and territories in support of their ongoing efforts to provide prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. In the community, public schools are tweaking drug-education lessons and colleges are preparing sessions for incoming students to comply with the Start Talking Maryland Act, which became a law July 1, 2017. The act requires public schools to offer drug education that includes the dangers of heroin and other opioids starting as early as third grade. It also requires public schools to stock the overdose-reversal drug naloxone, have staff that is trained to use it and to report naloxone uses to the state. In addition, The Start Talking Maryland Act increases school and community based education and awareness efforts to equip Maryland youth with the knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors to lead a drug-free life. Before It's Too Late is another aid that is a statewide effort to bring awareness to the rapid escalation of the heroin, opioid, and fentanyl crisis in Marylandand to mobilize all available resources for effective prevention, treatment and recovery. More information is atwww.beforeitstoolate.maryland.gov. Maryland also worked on providing safe disposal sites that allow the secure disposal of prescription drugs. These sites provide a place for parents, family members or friends to dispose of prescription medicine. Securely disposing your medicine keeps dangerous prescriptions out of the hands of adolescents and others On June 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passed several bills combating the opioid crisis, including but not limited to: H.R. 5261, the TEACH to Combat Addiction Act; H.R. 5041, the Safe Disposal of Unused Medication Act; and H.R. 4684, the Ensuring Access to Quality Sober Living Act. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) released the following statement lauding the passage of these bills: These bipartisan bills take important steps to reduce unnecessary prescribing of opioids, strengthen education, increase access to treatment, and prevent the importation of opioids like heroin and fentanyl through the international mail system. The passage of these bills is great progress, but there is more work to be done to mitigate the opioid epidemic, said Congressman Harris. This year, there have been 23 overdoses, and one death involving a 56-year-old woman who overdosed on fentanyl in Talbot County. There are strides to raise awareness in Talbot County including an opioid overdose awareness sign located on the northeast corner of the Sheriff's Office property adjacent to Easton Parkway in May. In 2017, the color purple has become significant in Talbot County with Talbot Goes Purple, a substance abuse awareness program that will engage the community and youth. It is an initiative Talbot County Sheriff's Office and Tidewater Rotary, in partnership with Talbot County Public Schools and the Mid-Shore Community Foundation. The project promotes education and awareness, including the creation of purple clubs in high schools, through which students learn they do not need drugs or alcohol to meet life's challenges. The project also encourages the new conversation between teens and parents, one that includes messages that prescription painkillers are not safe to use recreationally. Substance abuse is the number one cause of most crime, said Joe Gamble, Talbot County Sheriff. Get involved, talk to your kids and grandkids, educate yourself on the latest drug trends. Get help earlyearly intervention is key. Lock up your meds, or get rid of them, turn them into our drop box. Teach your children about the Good Samaritan Law. With the problem taking over the United States and Maryland being one of the top five states hit with the opioid crisis, the solutions are slowly coming in to help the state and Talbot County. Strazza does have cravings, however, his set of coping tools and faith keep him on a higher road. I can't control the thoughts of my mind but I can control the result of that from me wanting to get loaded. I pray and I call people. I hope this story becomes one of hope to everyone, said Strazza. Relationships can be mended, and you can be a productive member to your community. It can be achievable.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-releases-statement-closing-loopholes-catch-and-release-policy,Rep. Harris Releases Statement on Closing Loopholes in Catch-and-Release Policy,2018-06-18,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On June 18, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) released the following statement regarding the catch-and-release immigration policy and the holding of individuals seeking asylum in the United States: For years, the Obama Administration enforced a catch-and-release' policy along our borders. Under this catch-and-release policy, if an individual or a group claimed asylum at the border, they were released into the United States and given a date for a future court hearing. This policy resulted in immigrants missing their court dates and the federal government being unable to track individuals who entered the United States. As a result of this failed policy, the federal government now holds these individuals at the border. Unfortunately, our borders lack the infrastructure to support all of the individuals and families seeking asylum in the United States. I am working with my colleagues in Congress to close the loopholes of the catch-and-release policy and to increase the number of family facilities at the border, so immigration officials can keep families together. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/rep-harris-speaks-favor-securing-international-mail-against-opioids-act,Rep. Harris Speaks In Favor of Securing the International Mail Against Opioids Act,2018-06-14,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"15 East Churchville Road Suite 102B Bel Air, MD 21014 By Appointment Only Phone: 410-588-5670",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/wtas-support-president-donald-j-trump-s-summit-north-korea,WTAS: Support For President Donald J. Trumps Summit With North Korea,2018-06-12,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Members of Congress Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY):Today I congratulate the President on this major step and share his hope that it will begin a process that leads to an historic peace. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI):For decades, American policy toward North Korea has failed, and I commend @POTUS for not accepting the status quo. As negotiations now advance, there is only one acceptable final outcome: complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearization. Sen. David Perdue (R-GA):This critical summit is happening because of President Trump's leadership and unwavering resolve to make the world a safer place. We want to move toward the objectives President Trump has laid out: total denuclearization, as well as a potential peace treaty to end the Korean War, with reunification talks down the road. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH):I have long called for a direct dialogue between the U.S. & #NorthKorea, and I have supported this summit with the goal of achieving a peaceful solution that includes North Korea giving up its nuclear weapons. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC):Congratulations to President Trump bringing this about. This an historic opportunity to end the Korean War, get North Korea to give up their weapons and missiles that threaten us and the world in return for security guarantees and prosperity. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD):Good news coming from Singapore. @POTUS has made early strides in making our world a safer place. A lot of work to do yet. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL):The U.S./North Korea summit was a historic event and a good first step toward peace. Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-AL): I have confidence in @POTUS, @SecPompeo, and their team to continue pushing for a strong agreement. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ):I am encouraged by the news of a successful #SingaporeSummit. @POTUS' historic meeting moves us closer to the possibility of a denuclearized Korean Peninsula and an overall more peaceful world. Rep. Todd Rokita (R-IN):We finally have a commander in chief who, rather than lead from behind, has embraced challenges and inspired a new era of American leadership and diplomacy. President Trump's peace through strength strategy has re-asserted America back to the front of the world stage. Rep. Ralph Abraham (R-LA):Once again, President Trump has shown his great leadership skills on a world stage by obtaining North Korea's commitment to denuclearize. The global community can breathe easier this morning. Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD):I am encouraged by positive reports coming from the Singapore Summit. President Trump has made more progress in the last year and a half than previous presidents made over several decades. Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO):I'm encouraged with the positive news coming out of today's summit between the U.S. and North Korea. These talks are an important step towards lasting peace in the region. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE):Our President's first meeting was successful and this effort has confounded presidents before him. Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH):I applaud President Trump and those on his team working tirelessly to address the real and growing North Korean nuclear threat. The strategy used by previous administrations, both Republican and Democratic, clearly did not work, and it was time for a new approach. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH):Congratulations to @POTUS on the historic summit with North Korea! This is an important step towards greater peace and prosperity for the whole world. Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA):President Donald J. Trump's summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is a momentous, historic undertaking to be celebrated. I'm particularly moved, relieved and grateful for the President's ability to get North Korea's commitment for us to recover the remains of US Prisoners of War and our Troops Missing in Action from the Korean War. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN):Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula will make America and the world more secure. I applaud @realDonaldTrump's efforts. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN):Last night, @realDonaldTrump exemplified what it means to be a leader, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to meet with a North Korean head of state. Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN):I'm proud President Trump made strides towards peace with North Korea in his meeting with Kim Jong-Un. Pursuing a strategy to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula while taking concrete steps towards de-escalation should be a significant step towards peace and global security. Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX):Today's summit in Singapore is tangible evidence that President Trump is achieving unprecedented progress with his peace-seeking efforts. Under President Trump's leadership, this year the world witnessed Kim Jong Un cross the DMZ and embrace President Moon Jae In an act that would have been inconceivable mere months ago. Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX):Congratulations to @realDonaldTrump on his meeting with Kim Jong Un and moving forward in negotiations on denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula. Doing what no other POTUS has done, Trump has made history with this first meeting. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA):I'm encouraged by the goals @POTUS set to denuclearize North Korea and protect America. Rep. Sean Duffy (R-WI):After @POTUS @realDonaldTrump met with Kim, we are closer (but of course need to solidify process) to denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. Governors Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R):I commend @POTUS for taking strides to bring about peace & stability on the Korean Peninsula & congratulate him for a successful meeting in Singapore. @realDonaldTrump is right in saying only the most courageous can make peace. This truly is a historic moment for the world. Guam Governor Eddie Calvo (R):This agreement paves the way for peace between the U.S. and North Korea and moves us toward the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. The Territory of Guam is thankful to our President and his stance on peace through strength policy which elevated peace within the Asia Pacific region this is something we truly are grateful for. Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer (R):Thanks to the hard work of @POTUS and @SecPompeo we are one step closer to achieving peace on the Korean Peninsula, which had seemed impossible to accomplish a little over a year ago. This is encouraging news for the Korean people and the world at large Maine Governor Paul LePage (R):The #singaporesummit agreement has great potential to accomplish the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Businessmen do not fear tough negotiations. I'm especially thankful of the commitment to bring home Korean War POW/MIA remains. Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant (R):President @realDonaldTrump is winning with North Korea. He will work to make the world safe again. Northern Mariana Islands Governor Ralph Torres (R):Yesterday was an historic day for the United States and North Korea as President Trump has made more advancements towards securing a complete denuclearization of North Korea. I stand proudly by President Trump's side in his efforts to establish a safer Pacific region. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster (R):The transformative leadership of President @realDonaldTrump has the Korean peninsula on the precipice of peace. West Virginia Governor Jim Justice (R):Many congrats to my dear friend President @realDonaldTrump. When will the world realize what a phenomenal job you have done for America and the entire world? Foreign Officials and International Organizations President of the Republic of Korea Moon Jae-in:The June 12 Sentosa Agreement will be recorded as a historic event that has helped break down the last remaining Cold War legacy on earth. It is a great victory achieved by both the United States and the two Koreas, and a huge step forward for people across the world who long for peace. Once again, I would like to pay my respect to President Trump who achieved a feat that no one else has ever delivered. Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong:Congratulations on the successful conclusion of an historic summit meeting between the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The joint statement that you signed today with Chairman Kim Jong Un is a dramatic step forward. It is a crucial first move in the long journey towards lasting peace and stability on a denuclearized Korean Peninsula. United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson:We welcome that President Trump and Kim Jong Un have held a constructive summit. This is an important step towards the stability of a region vital to global economic growth and home to thousands of British Nationals and important UK interests. International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Yukiya Amano:I welcome today's Joint Statement of President Trump of the United States and Chairman Kim of the DPRK at the Singapore Summit which includes the DPRK's commitment towards complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg:NATO welcomes the historic summit between the President of the United States and the leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. NATO strongly supports all efforts leading towards the eventual denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. Spokesman for the United Nations Secretary-General, Stphane Dujarric:The Secretary-General welcomes the holding of the Summit between the leaders of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the United States as an important milestone in the advancement of sustainable peace and the complete and verifiable denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. Advocacy Organizations, Media Commentary, and Policy Experts Daily Beast Contributor Gordon Chang:President Trump has created a momentum. And that is really the result of skillful diplomacy on the part of the President. Fox News' Sean Hannity:This could be a transformative moment for the entire presidency. Fox News' Steve Hilton:This is the right thing to do in the interest of not just people in America, but across the world. Fox News' Chris Wallace:This is a very good and encouraging start. Fox News National Security Analyst Rebecca Grant:The joint documentI think the substance is there. North Korea has reaffirmed that they will denuclearize. TimeColumnist and Eurasia Group President Ian Bremmer:Trump has accomplished more on [North Korea] to date than any US President. Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States National Commander Keith Harman:We must have hope that this agreement will finally bring peace to the peninsula and help bring closure to thousands of families of missing American servicemen from the Korean War. The VFW salutes President Trump for bringing this issue to the table, and we thank the North Korean leader for agreeing to it. Now the hard work to bring the initiative to fruition begins.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-issues-statement-usnorth-korea-summit-singapore,Rep. Harris Issues Statement on U.S./North Korea Summit in Singapore,2018-06-12,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On June 12, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) issued the following statement on President Trump's summit in Singapore with North Korea's Kim Jong Un: I am encouraged by positive reports coming from the Singapore Summit. President Trump has made more progress in the last year and a half than previous presidents made over several decades. President Trump has taken a historic step by meeting with Kim Jong Un, and I am hopeful that lasting and stable peace can be achieved on the Korean Peninsula. While a denuclearization deal is far from complete, I trust President Trump and Secretary of State Pompeo to protect American interests during negotiations. I also have full confidence that President Trump will seek Congressional approval of any treaty that stems from these negotiations something the Obama Administration failed to do for the Iran nuclear deal. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-issues-statement-passage-fy19-spending-bills,Rep. Harris Issues Statement on Passage of FY19 Spending Bills,2018-06-08,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On June 8, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5895, the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), a member of the Appropriations Committee, made the following statement lauding the bill's passage: Last year, Congress passed four temporary funding patches before finally passing a deeply flawed omnibus spending bill on March 22 more than five months late. Today, the House of Representatives sent a clear message to the American people and to the Senate: we are returning to getting things done on time and getting our nation's finances back on track. The spending bills passed by the House today provide $85.3 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs and direct $7.28 billion to the Army Corps of Engineers for repairing our nation's water resources infrastructure, including much needed dredging in Maryland's First District. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I am committed to seeing the rest of our spending bills passed through the House in a timely manner, and I urge my colleagues in the Senate to follow suit. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/health-care-suicide-homelessness-top-veterans-concerns,"Health care, suicide, homelessness top veterans concerns",2018-06-07,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"CENTREVILLE Congressman Andy Harris, R-Md.-1st, held a round table discussion with American Legion Post 18 members in Centreville Friday, June 1, to discuss a host of issues facing veterans of every stripe. Among the topics were veteran homelessness, alarming veteran suicide rates, inconsistencies in care at VA hospitals and pathways to citizenship for documented immigrants who join the armed forces. This was part of regular meetings Harris has with area constituents throughout the year to keep his legislative agenda focused. All veterans should take an active part in making sure their fellow veterans are taken care of, Harris said. This is about seeing if the government is fulfilling its promise to to veterans. I know the Chairman of the VA Committee very well and we're going to discuss the issues from this meeting. The Ppesident is fully committed to this and we have a Congress willing to [find solutions] as well. Among the top issues was the increasing rate of suicide among veterans both in Maryland and nationwide. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 7,388 veterans committed suicide nationally in 2014 with 89 taking place in the state. To date, Maryland has a rate of 23.1 percent, which is lower than the national percentage of 38.4 percent. With much of the focus on treatment of issues like PTSD, drug or alcohol addiction and depression, identifying those at risk still relies heavily on individuals seeking help within the VA hospital system. For the Eastern Shore, that includes thousands of potential patients looking for traditional doctor's care as well as the mental health visits. The 2016 Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Annual Report estimated 1,850 veterans in Kent County, 4,549 in Queen Anne's County and 3,738 in Talbot County. Veteran outreach by the MDVA is a two-pronged approach with traditional forums in communities and a recently emphasized effort to include desktop and mobile devices. We hear from our fellow veterans every day about issues they face, said Vince Higgins, Centreville American Legion Post 18 commander. So when we can gather them and talk to our elected officials, it definitely helps. We're primarily in a rural area on the Eastern Shore so you hear about these issues in more populated areas. But our resources here are more spread out and less than those other areas. Veteran homelessness in Maryland is not limited to major city centers like Baltimore as the Maryland Interagency Council on Homelessness reported in 2017. The state currently has an estimated 2,165 homeless veterans annually with 445 in shelters and another 91 unsheltered. Efforts by the state to end homelessness across the board were initially stepped up with Senate Bill 796 during the 2014 session of the General Assembly to examine statewide initiatives aimed at ending homelessness. The legislation outlined the membership of the council, which includes representatives from 13 state agencies, three representatives from local Continuums of Care and nine advocates from throughout the state as well as a community member who has experienced homelessness. Veterans in attendance also voiced their concern over a seemingly revolving door of both doctors and nurse practitioners at area VA hospitals precipitating redundant visits to simply establish the patient's history. They have trouble in Cambridge keeping [primary medical staff] so they bring in people temporarily for six months or a year because they can't fill the slots. So we have ask about what's going on with the primary care physicians, concluded Harris. For more information on the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, contact 1-844-698-2311 or visitwww.va.gov. Anyone contemplating suicide is urged to contact the state crisis hotline at 1-800-422-0009.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-approves-president-trump-s-nearly-15-billion-rescissions-package-rein,House Approves President Trumps Nearly $15 Billion Rescissions Package to Rein in Excessive Spending,2018-06-07,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On June 7, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3, the Spending Cuts to Expired and Unnecessary Programs Act. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) released the following statement in support of the bill's passage: Today, the House of Representatives passed common-sense legislation to begin the long process of reining in our out of control federal spending. The nearly $15 billion that would be cut by this legislation sat untouched in various government accounts for years, and should be returned to the treasury. Passing this bill is small but positive progress toward balancing our federal budget and reducing our $21 trillion federal debt. I am committed to working with President Trump and my colleagues in Congress to further rein in our federal spending and reduce the debt with which we are saddling future generations. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-committee-agrees-harris-language-concerning-md-offshore-wind,House Committee Agrees to Harris Language Concerning MD Offshore Wind,2018-06-06,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On June 6, the House Committee on Appropriations passed the FY19 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) authored, and the committee agreed to, language addressing the proposed offshore wind turbines planned off the coast of Ocean City, MD. Congressman Harris released the following statement after the markup: When granting initial approval of offshore wind turbines along Maryland's coast, the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) irresponsibly and consistently ignored the concerns of the National Park Service, the U.S. Coast Guard, and most importantly, the people of Ocean City. The language I authored in the Interior Appropriations bill urges BOEM to work with other federal agencies, the State of Maryland, and the people of Ocean City to come to a consensus on the wind turbines' height and distance from the shore prior to their approval of any construction and operations plan (COP). These wind turbines, standing at 643 feet with red lights atop each tower in the latest proposal, would be visible from the beaches of Ocean City and Assateague Island National Seashore. The wind turbines, as currently proposed, will reduce property values, jeopardize the safety of maritime travel, and pose a threat to Ocean City's commercial fishing and tourism industries. BOEM is obligated to work with the State of Maryland, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Coast Guard on this project, and these issues must be resolved before any wind turbines are built off Maryland's coast. If these proposed 86 wind turbines will negatively impact the local communities, maritime safety, marine life, or economy of the region, the proposal must be changed to protect all affected stakeholders. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-committee-approves-73-million-chesapeake-bay-program,House Committee Approves $73 Million for Chesapeake Bay Program,2018-06-06,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On June 6, the House Committee on Appropriations passed the FY19 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill. This legislation provides $73 million in funding for the Chesapeake Bay Program the same funding level enacted in FY18. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Caucus and member of the Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement in support of this funding: The Chesapeake Bay is one of our nation's greatest natural treasures. Maryland's First Congressional District depends on a healthy Chesapeake Bay for both commercial fishing and recreational activities. The Chesapeake Bay's health is improving, and continued funding for this program will keep current cleanup efforts on track for the next year. I applaud my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee for joining me in continuing to support the Chesapeake Bay Program at levels above the President's proposed budget. When the Bay is healthy and flourishing, all Marylanders reap the benefits. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-committee-passes-harris-amendment-prevent-misfueling,House Committee Passes Harris Amendment to Prevent Misfueling,2018-06-06,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On June 6, the House Committee on Appropriations passed the FY19 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) authored, and the committee agreed to, an amendment encouraging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish an outreach campaign for proper usage of fifteen percent by volume ethanol blended gasoline. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) made the following statement lauding the amendment's passage: The use of ethanol blended gasoline in boats, older cars, and off-road vehicles can damage engines, void product warranties, and result in undue economic loss to consumers. My common-sense amendment protects consumers by encouraging the EPA to establish an outreach campaign informing consumers of the dangers of misfueling. Ninety five percent of boats are fueled at retail gas stations, and most consumers assume that any gas sold at a gas station is safe for their vehicle. The outreach campaign outlined in my amendment will help prevent engine burnout and save consumers money. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/troops-honored-traveling-vietnam-memorial-wall,Troops honored on traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall,2018-06-01,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Easton, Md. - Thousands of lives who were lost during the Vietnam War were honored on Friday with the traveling Vietnam Memorial. Those who made the ultimate sacrifice were honored with bag pipes, a wreath laying ceremony and more. Local families that had loved ones pass in the war got special recognition. ""As our Vietnam Veterans are getting up in age it's quite appropriate now to remember those who never came back from the war and that's what we're doing here today in Easton,"" said U.S. Congressman Andy Harris. The wall is a replica of the Vietnam Memorial in D.C. and stands at six feet tall, covering 300feet from end to end. According to officials, the purpose behind the wall isto help provide healingfor the hundreds of families who were affected by the war. ""I've got brothers, I've got nephews, I've got nieces, you know and my oldest brother served in Vietnam and came home safe,"" saidSaundra Foster. The wall will be inEaston, Maryland until June 6 before continues its journey to London, Kentucky.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/help-may-be-coming-local-crab-processors,Help may be coming for local crab processors,2018-05-30,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WOOLFORD Dorchester County crab meat processors recently received a glimmer of hope in an effort to save the Maryland crab season and the entire state crab industry. Traditionally, Dorchester crab meat processors apply for federal H-2B visas for about 500 guest, seasonal workers, who in the past have come from Mexico. But with a surge in H-2B applications associated with the rebuild of Texas after last hurricane season, the program, which is capped at 66,000 visas (33,000 for six months), used a lottery to give out visas. The result led to the loss of more than 40 percent of the workforce for Dorchester crab meat processors. Of the eight Dorchester crab meat processors, four did not receive any visas Lindy's Seafood, A.E. Phillips, Russell Hall Seafood and Old Salty's. The other four Rippon's Brothers Seafood, WT Ruark and Co., G.W. Hall and Sons and J.M. Clayton Seafood received a reduced number of visas. With Dorchester representing more than 60 percent of crab meat processors in the state, the worker shortage has put the industry on the heels of going out of business. The lifeline may be getting thrown to the Dorchester processors as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced it will issue an additional 15,000 H-2B visas this year. The good news is dulled because processors remain unsure if the process will again be by lottery or if applications will be approved in the traditional first-come, first-serve manner. There is still no guarantee we are going to have the workers we need, said Lindy's Seafood owner Aubrey Vincent. We have been fortunate our customers and our full-time employees have held on with us, but I don't know if they are going to be able to hold on for the rest of the summer unless we have some type of resolution. If we don't have the crab meat available, it makes businesses look for other options because they have a business to run as well, she said. Once we lose those businesses, they may never come back to us. It affects the entire community. With increased demand, 100 percent of the industry could be shut out if a lottery stays in place. U.S. Rep Andy Harris, R-Md., met with Vincent and other Dorchester crab meat processors Wednesday, May 30, at Lindy's Seafood in Woolford to hear their concerns and give an update on the situation. My goal is to get it as equitably resolved for this year, but then looking forward, we have to devise a system that protects this industry, he said. It is very important to get the workers in for this season, and then to get a plan to make sure this does not happen again. The processors told Harris if their applications get approved, it would take until late June and early July for the workers to arrive. The shutdown we are experiencing now is just horrific, said J.M. Clayton Seafood owner Jake Brooks. We are never going to recapture what we have lost. It is gone. We are heading down a bad road. We are living a catastrophe. Harris said he is pushing for applicants to get at least some visas approved to avoid someone getting shut out for this season. I think the 15,000 visas will be enough to help businesses get by for this season, he said. We need to make sure businesses can make it out of this season healthy. As for the future, Harris is exploring if the seafood industry can be moved from the capped H-2B program to the uncapped H-2A program. He also wants to see if applications for workers involved with disaster relief can be exempt from the cap. The industries here year after year need to be taken care of, he said. We need to find a way to make sure this never happens again for them. These businesses face great concern each year whether they will get visas, Harris said. We need to have a system in place that gives our businesses a better gauge for the future rather than the short-term notice they have been getting.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/rep-andy-harris-meets-business-owners-discuss-crab-picker-shortage,Rep. Andy Harris meets with business owners to discuss crab picker shortage,2018-05-30,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WOOLFORD, Md. Rep. Andy Harris met with business owners impacted by a shortage of crab pickers Wednesday afternoon to hear their problems and pose long-term solutions -- and got an earful. Congress and the Trump administration tightened the guest worker visa program. Because demand is so high, the Trump administration imposed a lottery to award them. It is keeping Mexican workers from making their seasonal trek to Maryland -- and many Eastern Shore businesses are feeling pinched. The allocation is leaving the 20 licensed processors in a real pinch. Some don't have any workers, others are dealing with a 40 percent decline of them. This time of year, Lindy's Seafood is usually packed with Mexican workers standing shoulder-to-shoulder picking the meat enjoyed in crab cakes and other delicacies, but not this year. It is taking deliveries of live crabs only. It has no pickers because Congress limited the number of guest worker visas. Harris held court with some of those impacted in Lindy's parking lot. ""We are headed down that way. I think we are living (a catastrophe) right now,"" said Jack Brooks, owner of J.M. Clayton in Cambridge. ""The biggest fear you see now as watermen (is), 'Where am I going to sell my crabs?"" said Morgan Tolley, of A.E Phillips and Sons. ""Our whole goal is to, first, get over this obstacle, which is getting this 33,000 cap raised,"" Harris said. ""An increased cap would be great, but that just puts us at the same risk,"" Brooks said. Guest worker visas are coveted by crab processors. Despite advertising the jobs, Americans aren't biting, even though the pay is $16.25 an hour. So, for the past 25 years, crab processors have counted on Mexicans making a seasonal journey to Maryland. ""The solution in the end is to match the need, the workplace need, with the supply of temporary workers,"" Harris said. Those impacted suggested getting rid of the lottery, exempting returning workers, giving small businesses a preference and to better define what it means to be seasonal. Word that relief is in the works still makes processors anxious. ""With those appointments, we will be able to get workers in here by the end of June,"" said Aubrey Vincent, owner of Lindy's Seafood. Relief is expected this summer when an additional 15,000 visas become available, but there's no guarantee with a lottery system still in place. There is also concern Mexican workers won't arrive in time to salvage the season.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/rep-andy-harris-meets-seafood-process-industry-about-h-2b-visas,Rep. Andy Harris meets with seafood process industry about H-2B visas,2018-05-30,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WOOLFORD, Md. - It's no doubt that when you think of Maryland,you think of blue crabs. But this season has presented new issues that has made it tougher on the industry. Their biggest hurdle has been the H-2B Visa Program.Usually,these operations are fully up and running with the help of those visa workers,but with a change in the program,they are now shorthanded. Businesses across the country have requested 81,000 workers,but only 33,000 visas can be handed out.So instead of increasing the cap, the Trump administration decided to do a lotteryand it has affected our own operations here on the shore. Aubrey Vincent, Co-Owner from Lindy's Seafood tells us, ""Those limited spots were dulled out by a lottery in the computer. Alot of companies like ours, who have been consistently been using the program, consistently following the rules,this will be our 23rd summer, unfortunately weren't picked by the computer. We couldn't get our workers."" But it's not a complete loss just yet. On Friday,the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued 15,000 more visas. Businesses can apply to get their hands on more workers starting May 31st. Representative Andy Harris has been very supportive in helping out these Eastern Shore companies, who are pretty understaffed. On Wednesday, he met with several leaders in the seafood processing industry to talk about the issues at hand. ""15,000 isn't going to be enough visas for all the need. All the seasonal companies that are looking for temporary help but it's something, it's a step in the right direction,"" Vincent says. At the start of crabbing season in April, Lindy's Seafood is usually fully staffed.But that wasn't the case for this season. They usually have 25-30 full-time American employees but now those workers are working double. They are hoping to get between 75-100 visa pickers in order finish the season strong. After a rough start for all these businesses, they hope to sail into calmer watersby getting the support from Representative Andy Harris. Representative Harris says, ""My goal istry to get them by the end of June but certainly not past the July 4th holiday. Hopefully, we can have these workers here. We're going to get additional workers in and then as we plan to make sure this doesn't happen again next year. So, it's really important to hear the feedback and to see what ways to improve the system and to see how to make this system work for Maryland industries."" One possibility that could also happen for a future plan is taking the seafood processing workers out of the H-2B program, which has a quota and cap,and putting them into the H-2A. We're told it has different rules and it doesn't have a cap.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/rep-andy-harris-seeks-solutions-seafood-owners-h-2b-visa-lottery-flaws,Rep. Andy Harris Seeks Solutions with Seafood Owners for H-2B Visa Lottery Flaws,2018-05-30,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WOOLFORD, Md.- Congressman Andy Harris visited Lindy's Seafood in Woolford on Wednesday afternoon to discuss issues local seafood leaders have with the H-2B lottery system. Harris, who represents Maryland's First District, which includes all of the state's Eastern Shore, discussed a couple of possible solutions for next year to improve some of the flaws business owners see with the new program. One of which, includes rationing all lottery distribution so that every business gets a portion of the needed seasonal workers. Another, is to classify the pickers as H-2A workers to eliminate the capped number of visas. ""One possibility that we still have to discuss with the administration is actually taking the seafood processing workers out of the H-2B program, which has a quota and a cap. Then putting them into H-2A which has slightly different rules, but doesn't have a cap,"" Harris said. Aubrey Vincent, owner of Lindy's, says the lottery system puts some businesses in a bad position without workers, while others are fully staffed for the season. ""As an industry there's only so much that we're going to be able to continue to roll with, without some type of long-term solution,"" Vincent said. Businesses like G.W. Hall & Sons Seafood on Hoopers Island have all of the workers they requested from the lottery, but owner Robin Hall says it's an unfair system. ""It bothers me, just as much as it's bothering the people here, that they don't have their workers and I have mine,"" Hall said. ""Because I want us all to get them. We should all have them."" Harris says before thinking about how to change the lottery for next year, he is trying to save what's left of this crabbing season for the local businesses suffering. A part of the discussion on Wednesday also included potential timelines on when theextra 15,000 workers, announced on Friday, could get into some of these vacant crab houses. Harris says he hopes to have the majority into the country by late June. Vincent says the application process to request the extra seasonal workers begins on Thursday. Lindy's says if they aren't granted extra pickers by the middle of June, they'll be forced to let go of more than 100 American workers from their business.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/another-15000-h-2b-work-visas-approved-federal-government,"Another 15,000 H-2B Work Visas Approved by Federal Government",2018-05-28,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WOOLFORD, Md.- As the crabbing season continues on Delmarva, an additional 15,000 H-2B work visas were approved by the Department of Homeland Security on Friday. While visiting Worcester County on Monday, Representative Andy Harris said it's a shame Congress waited so long to approve these extra seasonal workers. ""We've been working now for weeks with the administration to go ahead and get a number and to create the rules and regulations so that we can get these H-2B workers, these temporary workers, into our industries here on the shore that have honestly been suffering because of the lack of these visas,"" Harris said. Aubrey Vincent, who owns Lindy's Seafood in Woolford, says her business is operating at about 25percent of its normal capacity because of the limited crab pickers it currently has.Vincent says she's praying Lindy's is granted some of these extra workers. Harris says he looks forward working with local businesses to start cutting through the federal red tape. ""Hopefully we'll have enough coming into the district here so we won't lose this crabbing season and the other seasonal workers, the other industries that need seasonal workers in the district as well,"" Harris said. Harris says the federal government should not have waited until the spring to begin discussing this legislation. He hopes the same problem will not affect the industries next year. ""We're going to roll up our sleeves and work toward making sure we don't have this same problem next year. Really the key is to getting Congress to act on this as soon as possible,"" Harris said. Harris says there is still no word yet to how many workers will be approved for areas on Delmarva. He says he hopes to get as many seasonal workers into the businesses as soon as possible.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/hundreds-attend-worcester-county-memorial-day-ceremony,Hundreds attend Worcester County Memorial Day ceremony,2018-05-28,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WORCESTER CO., Md. - Delmarva honored the fallen with dozens of ceremonies on Memorial Dayfrom Doverto Exmore. Hundreds gathered at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Monday morning to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice with an emotional ceremony. Mike Beatty, a speaker at the event said, ""Today we are here at this beautiful Veterans Memorial to pay tribute to our fallen heroes and to recognize the men and women who gave all."" Memorial Day is a national holiday created to honor and remember those who bravely fought, and made the ultimate sacrifice for our country's freedom. Congressman Andy Harris (R) MD-01 said,""Well you know, as a veteran, I hope we never forget our veterans, the fallen ones and the ones who are still with us, so we have to have events like this. We have to have an event in November, Veteran's Day and again, to make sure that Americans don't take for granted the freedoms and the liberties that we have."" Ceremonies like the one held at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Monday featured prayers, recognition of all veterans in attendance, and emotional renditions of American classics such as ""I'm Proud To Be an American."" We're told this year's holiday comes at a divisive time in our country, and veterans say they hope the holiday serves as a reminder of just how strong our patriotism should be. Joe Palmisano, a local veteran of World War II said, ""We're in a time where some of our patriotism isn't as strong as it used to be, and it really should be, because everybody in the country owes all the veterans the fact that we're here."" Rep. Andy Harris said, ""What you see here today are all Americans getting together and celebrating our common heritage, our common liberty and freedom."" Veterans tell us the atmosphere present at Monday's ceremony meant the world to them. William Conderey, a veteran said, ""The whole ceremony was great. It was great."" Jack Hallman, an ex-Prisoner Of War said, ""This was a wonderful service today I've been here several years and every year I think highly of this affair"" Others, like Congressman Harris said they felt glad to see that fallen heroes were still being remembered and honored by hundreds of Delmarvans, decades after their passing. Rep. Harris said,""It's just so rewarding and refreshing to see that we have not forgotten those men and women who've died in uniform for the country."" Veterans tell us it's important to remember and honor those who have served every day, not just on Memorial Day. If you're interested in seeing a memorial other than the one in Worcester County, a unique memorial called ""The Traveling Wall"" will be coming to Delmarva. ""The Wall"" serves as a reminder of the great sacrifices made during the Vietnam War. This memorial is scheduled to arrive at the Easton VFW on May 31st, and it will be there until June 6th.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/offshore-wind-study-be-conducted,Offshore wind study to be conducted,2018-05-28,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"MARYLAND - The House Committee recently approved Congressman Andy Harris' amendment to the Fiscal Year 2019 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations billto study the impact of offshore wind. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration must now look at the potential effects of offshore wind projects on marine mammals and fish, as well as the need for any mitigation measures. Congressman Andy Harris (R) MD-01 said the idea for a study came about when the commercial fishing industry came to him with concerns. He said, ""This would be the largest offshore wind project in the United States. We have no experience with it. These are very fertile fishing grounds. We have commercial fisherman here who work in Worcester County who work in my district who are very worried that if this windmill project goes forward, their industry is going to die."" Congressman Harris tells us the study is expected to take about two years. Results will be reported back to congress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/harris-helped-save-our-family-farm,Harris Helped Save Our Family Farm,2018-05-25,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"We are the Taylors and we operate C.W. Taylor Farms LLC and Taylor's Produce. We are proud of our family farm, our community and our country. We are proud of our farming heritage, since 1928. One morning in the fall of 2011, IRS agents knocked on our door without warning. They said that we were not in trouble, but that they had some questions for us. Our farm is our life, and we operate in full compliance with the law, so we invited them in. We are farmers and we grow/sell vegetables, grain and chickens. That is when our nightmare began. After an hour-long interrogation, the IRS agents informed us they had already seized our entire bank account. Every penny we had earned that summer was gone. They said we had violated a banking law known as structuring, a law designed to catch drug dealers, terrorists and money launderers. We had no idea such a banking law existed or that it is a felony crime. After months of reviewing our records and investigating our business, the IRS found no tax evasion or any other crime. We expected to get our money back. That did not happen. Simply because of how we made our cash deposits, we were penalized half of the seized amount in a civil forfeiture. We have been forced to spend over $30,000 in legal fees to defend ourselves against our government. We thank Congressman Andy Harris for helping us through this nightmare. He met with us personally in our hometown of Preston soon after this happened. He supported us through hearings with the Congressional Ways and Means Committee, as we testified and fought to get our money back. Through pressure from Congressman Harris, calling out the IRS/DOJ on their unethical practices, the IRS has since softened their policies in regard to such seizures. However, the law allowing such seizures still exists, and this can still happen to other small business owners. The Clyde-Hirsch-Sowers RESPECT Act was unanimously passed by the House, attempting to rein in the IRS and protect innocent business owners in the future. We urge the Senate to pass this bill. Congressman Harris' actions on Capitol Hill are the reason we finally received all of our money back, after almost seven years, and we are grateful to finally close this sad chapter in our lives. We are thankful to have a congressman who supports his constituents. CALVIN AND DEBBY TAYLOR Preston",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-issues-statement-release-additional-h-2b-visas,Rep. Harris Issues Statement on Release of Additional H-2B Visas,2018-05-25,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On May 25, Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen announced that the Department of Homeland Security would issue an additional 15,000 H-2B visas this year. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) issued the following statement in support of the announcement: I am grateful for Secretary Nielsen's assistance in addressing the current labor shortage on Maryland's Eastern Shore. As American unemployment has dropped, demand for temporary seasonal workers has increased dramatically. Maryland's seafood processing industry and other seasonal industries are suffering without the temporary workers who come to the U.S. through the H-2B visa program. While the extra 15,000 visas announced today won't accommodate full demand this year, these additional visas are significant progress while Congress seeks a long-term solution to reform the H-2B program. Congress failed to raise the program's visa limit this year, and we must reform the program to accommodate demand and keep America's small seasonal businesses open. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/maryland-congressman-seeks-reassurance-impact-offshore-wind,Maryland congressman seeks reassurance on impact of offshore wind,2018-05-24,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"An amendment to legislation has been passed that requests the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to study the effects of offshore wind projects on wildlife offshore Maryland. The House Committee on Appropriations marked up the FY19 Commerce, Justiceand Science Appropriations bill earlier in May. Congressman Andy Harris authored, and the committee passed, an amendment ordering the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to study the effects of offshore wind projects on marine mammals and fish, as well as the need for any mitigation measures. Congressman Harris released the following statement after the mark-up. Commercial fishing and seafood processing are prominent industries in Maryland's First District. The fishing community has expressed concern thatUS Wind'sproposed offshore windfarm project will harm their fishing operations off the coast of Ocean City. My amendment orders NOAA to study the effects of offshore windfarm construction and operation on marine wildlife as well as the need for any mitigation measures. In addition to the several concerns already voiced by the local communities, the US Coast Guard and the National Park Service, it is imperative that we fully understand the negative effects on our fisheries that will be caused by this windfarm project. US Wind is an offshore wind developer in the US with offshore wind leases in Maryland and New Jersey.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/rep-harris-issues-statement-ndaa-passage,Rep. Harris Issues Statement on NDAA Passage,2018-05-24,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On May 24, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5515, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) issued the following statement lauding the bill's passage: Today, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY19. The NDAA gives our military a well-deserved pay raise the largest increase in nine years and increases funding for training programs in every branch. This legislation also provides critical funding to repair worn out equipment and crumbling military buildings. Our military men and women serve our nation selflessly, and Congress is giving our troops the support they need to protect us. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/us-house-passes-717b-pentagon-policy-measure,U.S. House passes $717B Pentagon policy measure,2018-05-24,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"The House has passed a $717 billion defense policy bill that would give the military a 2.6 percent pay hike, the largest in nine years. The bipartisan 351-66 vote sends the measure to the Senate, where a key panel completed a companion measure in a closed-door session on Wednesday. The annual measure sets policies and a budget outline for the Pentagon that are funded by a subsequent appropriations bill that typically follows its parameters fairly closely. The military got a major budget increase under the terms of a bipartisan pact passed earlier this year that the Pentagon's many allies in Washington promise will address shortfalls in military readiness such as pilot training, maintenance of equipment, and procurement of new weapons systems. Maryland Congressman Andy Harris (R-District 1) weighed in saying, ""Today, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY19. The NDAA gives our military a well-deserved pay raise the largest increase in nine years and increases funding for training programs in every branch. This legislation also provides critical funding to repair worn out equipment and crumbling military buildings. Our military men and women serve our nation selflessly, and Congress is giving our troops the support they need to protect us.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-issues-statement-ndaa-passage,Rep. Harris Issues Statement on NDAA Passage,2018-05-24,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On May 24, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5515, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) issued the following statement lauding the bill's passage: Today, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY19. The NDAA gives our military a well-deserved pay raise the largest increase in nine years and increases funding for training programs in every branch. This legislation also provides critical funding to repair worn out equipment and crumbling military buildings. Our military men and women serve our nation selflessly, and Congress is giving our troops the support they need to protect us. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/rep-harris-releases-statement-bipartisan-banking-reform-bill,Rep. Harris Releases Statement on Bipartisan Banking Reform Bill,2018-05-22,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On May 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 2155 the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act. This bipartisan bill eases the burden several Dodd-Frank regulations have placed on small community banks and consumers. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) released the following statement in support of the legislation: Heavy handed and costly banking regulations hurt America's small community banks and American consumers. The bipartisan Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act passed by the House of Representatives today will provide small community banks and consumers with much-needed relief. This legislation will exempt small banks from time-consuming reporting requirements, protect consumers' access to credit, and implement credit protections for veterans and student borrowers. I applaud my colleagues in Congress for passing this pro-consumer, pro-small business legislation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-issues-statement-right-try-act,Rep. Harris Issues Statement on Right to Try Act,2018-05-22,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On May 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 204, the Trickett Wendler, Frank Mongiello, Jordan McLinn, and Matthew Bellina Right to Try Act. This legislation increases terminally ill patients' access to experimental drugs that have not yet been approved or licensed by the FDA. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) issued the following statement lauding the bill's passage: Today, the House of Representatives delivered new hope to patients fighting for their lives. Stunning new cures in medicine occur each and every day, and patients deserve the right to try any and all available treatments, including treatment options still in the final approval process. The federal government has no place denying terminally-ill patients the opportunity for survival, especially when there are hundreds of potential treatments stuck in the FDA's pipeline. As a physician, I am proud to support the Right to Try Act a bill that will bring hope and relief to families plagued by terminal illness across the United States. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-issues-statement-support-first-step-act,Rep. Harris Issues Statement in Support of FIRST STEP Act,2018-05-22,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On May 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5682, the FIRST STEP Act. The FIRST STEP Act seeks to improve the federal prison system through enhanced prison security and providing inmates with educational and vocational training opportunities. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) issued the following statement after the bill was passed: Today, the House of Representatives passed bipartisan prison reform legislation to make our country safer and more successful. The FIRST STEP Act expands educational, mentoring, and job training opportunities for inmates, setting up inmates to lead productive lives upon release. Inmates with access to such programs are more likely to find work and housing upon release, and have a lower risk of returning to a life of crime. The FIRST STEP Act will strengthen our public safety by reducing the number of inmates who become repeat offenders. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-releases-statement-bipartisan-banking-reform-bill,Rep. Harris Releases Statement on Bipartisan Banking Reform Bill,2018-05-22,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On May 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 2155 the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act. This bipartisan bill eases the burden several Dodd-Frank regulations have placed on small community banks and consumers. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) released the following statement in support of the legislation: Heavy handed and costly banking regulations hurt America's small community banks and American consumers. The bipartisan Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act passed by the House of Representatives today will provide small community banks and consumers with much-needed relief. This legislation will exempt small banks from time-consuming reporting requirements, protect consumers' access to credit, and implement credit protections for veterans and student borrowers. I applaud my colleagues in Congress for passing this pro-consumer, pro-small business legislation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-issues-statement-support-va-reform-bills,Rep. Harris Issues Statement in Support of VA Reform Bills,2018-05-21,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On May 21, the U.S. House of Representatives passed several VA reform bills, including but not limited to: H.R. 4451, the Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Programs Reauthorization Act; H.R. 4958, the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act; and H.R. 3832, the Veterans Opioid Abuse Prevention Act. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) released the following statement lauding the passage of these bills: Today, the House of Representatives passed a comprehensive package of Veterans Affairs reforms. Among these reforms, the House reauthorized critical assistance programs for homeless veterans and authorized a long overdue cost-of-living-adjustment for service-disabled veterans. To address our nation's ongoing opioid epidemic, the House passed H.R. 3832, the Veterans Opioid Abuse Prevention Act. This legislation will improve information-sharing between the VA and state-based prescription drug monitoring programs, thus improving oversight of opioid prescriptions for veterans and minimizing veterans' risk of opioid dependence. As a veteran myself, I am proud to support the bills passed by the House tonight. These reforms will help the VA run more efficiently and improve health outcomes for veterans. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/no-immigrant-workers-no-crab-meat,No Immigrant Workers; No Crab Meat,2018-05-17,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Olivia Rubio does the hard, tedious work of extracting crab meat on Hooper's Island on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Hooper's Island is part of chain of three sparsely populated islands in the Chesapeake Bay. After crossing a single bridge, the main road winds through picturesque watermen's villages and unpopulated areas. Hooper's is a center for seafood catching and processing. Rubio has been coming for 15 years from Mexico to work in one of the island's crab houses on an H2-B visa a guest worker program that has been a continual issue in the crab industry for business owners in the Maryland Eastern Shore. ""We have the opportunity to come here to work and support our family, help our children move forward, and support our parents. It's good. We have work. So, we're grateful,"" Rubio said. As a temporary guest worker, Rubio can live and work in the U.S. during the warmer months and then return to her home country in the winter. Though glad to receive the visa, Rubio wonders about next year; the Trump administration, citing higher demand this year, awarded the visas by lottery, instead of first-come, first-served. ""I hope there are visas to be able to come back and do the work again,"" she said. Rubio's employer, GW Hall & Son Seafood, needed 40 visas but only got enough for 30 guest workers. ""I don't know what we would do or the whole area would do without them. I mean from the stores to... I don't even know how to describe it because of the impact that they have. They keep it all moving,"" Robin Hall, co-owner, GW Hall & Son Seafood, told VOA. Visa shortage Since the 1980s, crab houses on Maryland's Eastern Shore have had to hire temporary foreign workers, mostly from Mexico, to extract meat from the crabs' hard shells. Maryland has 20 licensed crab businesses, employing 500 foreign workers. In fiscal year 2018, 66,000 H-2B visas were available nationwide for nonagricultural industries. In its budget bill passed in March, Congress said the cap could be raised. Amid the crisis, U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, who represents Hooper's Island in Congress,has asked the Departments of Homeland Security and Laborfor extra guest worker visas. Harris said the fiscal year 2018 cap of H-2B visas was filled on January 1, 2018, which left many businesses unable to obtain the temporary seasonal labor they need. ""The H-2B visa program is a crucial resource for many seasonal businesses and supports thousands of related jobs held by American citizens. These temporary workers must pay American taxes, have a clean criminal record, receive no government benefits, and return to their home countries when their visas expire,"" Harris said. But on background, a DHS official offered ""no new guidance to share."" Continuing to pick crab meat, Rubio told VOA that a lot of her friends - who come annually - haven't got visas. ""So they can't come here to work, and they need it,"" she said. No workers At nearby Russell Hall Seafood, the baskets and crates are empty. The kitchen is unused. There are no workers in sight. Harry Phillips' company, Russell Hall Seafood, needed 50 visas but got none. ""It never was this way before. We've done this for 25 years and no doubt some years it's been slow getting workers, but we've always got them,"" he said. Phillips still has ads in local newspapers and is trying to hire local people. ""We have to actually advertise in newspapers before we're allowed to even apply for the H-2B program workers, and we do that with a couple of different newspapers and I actually have ads in the paper now for workers, but nobody's applied,"" Phillips said. Phillips does not like the lottery system when it comes to H-2B visas. ""That's a big gamble. I mean, we can't run our business at a gamble whether we're going to get our workers or not. Phillips' work phone telephone rang. On the other end, a worker asked when visas would become available. ""You see? It's them asking about the visas,"" Phillips explained. AE Phillips and Son, part of the Phillips Seafood restaurant chain, is also shut down unless workers become available. The company got its start in 1916. But the plant's general manager, Morgan Tolley, said he is ""really worried"" about 2019. ""We had some problems going on with immigration. A lot of issues are up in the air. A lot of things that people don't understand or they think they understand. Speaking for the H2B program, which is a non-immigrant work visa, to me personally, that has nothing to do with immigration. It's a non-immigrant work visa. These people take tremendous pride in the fact that they can come here to United States and work and go home and they're proud of that right that they have earned,"" Tolley said. No locals anymore ""It tears me up."" Hall, who was operating with 75 percent of his workforce including Rubio, did not feel particularly happy or fortunate. ""I'm tickled to death to have [my workers]... But I want us all to get them. I'd really actually almost rather see everybody get them or nobody get them, so we could all be together as a group,"" he said. And he has no hope that American workers will fill the gap. ""You rode down here, did you see any American people running around because there's nobody around here?"" he asked VOA. ""The few people we have here are retired from somewhere else. They moved down here and have a home here on the water and this was a great vacation spot. Standing on the platform where crabs would be unloaded when they came in, Hall continued, ""There's no local people here anymore. Population's got so low that you can't get anybody from it.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/victory-coastal-communities-maryland,Victory for Coastal Communities in Maryland,2018-05-17,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"The House Committee on Appropriations yesterday, May 16, marked up the FY19 Energy and Water Appropriations bill. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. authored, and the committee passed, an amendment to prioritize funding for dredging projects in shallow channels, particularly in channels where shoaling can create hazardous barriers to maritime travel. He issued the following statement applauding the adoption of his amendment: The inclusion of this amendment in the FY19 Energy and Water Appropriations bill is a victory for coastal communities in Marylands First District and across the country. Congressman Harris added that shoaling is a serious issue for several coastal communities in Marylands First District. Recently, maritime travel and commerce in Dorchester County have been severely hindered by shoaling in the Honga River and Tar Bay Gap. My amendment ensures that hazards like the shoaling in these channels receive priority consideration for dredging by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. To further support these coastal communities, this years Energy and Water Appropriations bill increases funding for dredging shallow channels by 20 percent, continuedCongressman Harris. Small businesses in Dorchester County depend on the use of these channels, and Im committed to working with the Army Corps of Engineers to restore the safe navigability of the Honga River and Tar Bay Gap, saidCongressman Andy Harris.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-committee-approves-harris-amendment-facilitate-medical-marijuana-research,House Committee Approves Harris Amendment to Facilitate Medical Marijuana Research,2018-05-17,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On May 17, the House Committee on Appropriations marked up the FY19 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) offered, and the committee passed, an amendment urging the Drug Enforcement Agency to expeditiously process the several pending applications for research-related marijuana production. Congressman Harris released the following statement lauding its passage: For decades, bureaucratic red tape has obstructed legitimate clinical research into the potential medical use of marijuana. Currently, the University of Mississippi possesses the only license in the country to grow marijuana for research purposes. Nearly 30 other manufacturer applications are pending approval by the Drug Enforcement Agency. Its just not right to prescribe marijuana as medicine without subjecting it to the same safety, purity, and efficacy approval process that every other medicine undergoes. My amendment, passed today with wide bipartisan support, facilitates legitimate medical marijuana research by urging the DEA to process those pending applications for research-related marijuana production. Americas patients deserve safe and proven medication. I commend my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee for supporting this pro-science, pro-research amendment. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-committee-approves-harris-amendment-study-impact-offshore-wind,House Committee Approves Harris Amendment to Study Impact of Offshore Wind,2018-05-17,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On May 17, the House Committee on Appropriations marked up the FY19 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) authored, and the committee passed, an amendment ordering the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to study the effects of offshore wind projects on marine mammals and fish, as well as the need for any mitigation measures. Congressman Harris released the following statement after the markup: Commercial fishing and seafood processing are prominent industries in Marylands First District. The fishing community has expressed concern that U.S. Winds proposed offshore wind farm project will harm their fishing operations off the coast of Ocean City. My amendment orders the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to study the effects of offshore wind farm construction and operation on marine wildlife as well as the need for any mitigation measures. In addition to the several concerns already voiced by the local communities, the United States Coast Guard, and the National Park Service, it is imperative that we fully understand the negative effects on our fisheries that will be caused by this wind farm project. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-announces-2018-congressional-art-competition-winner,Rep. Harris Announces 2018 Congressional Art Competition Winner,2018-05-17,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) is pleased to announce the winner of the 2018 Congressional Art Competition: Nora Gast of Kent Island High School in Stevensville, Maryland. Noras watercolor painting, titled Small Things with Great Love, portrays Saint Teresa of Calcutta, a Roman Catholic nun, winner of the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize, and the founder of the Missionaries of Charity. Every year, I am amazed by the artistic talent of the students in Marylands First District, said Congressman Harris. Noras entry was particularly captivating to me. Her attention to detail and the simple elegance of her piece are truly stunning. Nora, a junior at Kent Island High School, was thrilled to hear that she had won, stating Im really excited and shocked to be chosen. I put a lot of work and effort into this and its really an honor to be picked by Congressman Harris. Andrea Schulte, Noras art teacher, stated that Noras captivating watercolor painting of Mother Teresa is just one if many equally impressive pieces she has produced. Her insight, work ethic, and dedication to the creative process are unparalleled. I am so proud of Nora and grateful that she is being recognized for her work. The 2nd place winner of this years competition, entitled Pintails in the Marsh, was submitted by Jacob Kozak of Calvert Hall College High School. North Caroline High Schools Minnthu Phan claimed 3rd place, with a work titled Self-Portraits. Photos of the top three submissions can be viewed on Rep. Harris Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AndyHarrisMD. The rest of this years submissions can be viewed at the Salisbury Art Space until June 10. The gallery will host a free a public reception for the show on May 18 at 5:00 PM. Since 1982, the U.S. House of Representatives has sponsored the Congressional Art Competition to acknowledge the artistic talents of high school students from each Congressional district. Noras painting will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. The submissions of this years runners-up will be displayed in Congressman Harris Washington, DC and district offices. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/abortion-case-thats-really-about-first-amendment,The Abortion Case That's Really about the First Amendment...,2018-05-16,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Can a state force pregnancy resource centers to violate their beliefs? In March of this year, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on a California law that requires pregnancy resource centers to advertise for the abortion industry. Congress has followed the case closely, especially since it could determine whether the state can order people to ignore their consciences on other moral issues too. One leader who's consistently stood up for the rights of these pregnancy resource centers is Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (R-Md.). Yesterday, he joined us at FRC to talk about the ongoing fight to protect mothers, their unborn children, and the First Amendment rights of the pro-lifers working on their behalf.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/letter-h-2b-visas,Letter: H-2B Visas,2018-05-16,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"To the editor:At Rippons Bros. Seafood, we pride ourselves on providing Maryland with delicious and affordable seafood. But as the busy summer season draws closer, our business is threatened by a severe shortage of American labor and a cap on the number of H-2B seasonal worker visas. The federal H-2B program allows businesses to hire seasonal workers when they cannot find American workers to fill their vacancies. At Rippons Bros. Seafood, we never receive enough American applicants, despite posting ads everywhere and offering competitive wages. These seasonal workers pay federal, state and local taxes, and they return home at the end of the season. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has capped the number of H-2B visas available nationwide at 33,000 far fewer than the 81,000 visas requested. If Homeland Security doesnt issue more visas, Rippons Bros. Seafood may be forced to increase prices, turn away business, lay off permanent American workers or close our doors for good. Thankfully, Congressman Andy Harris is a strong ally for businesses who depend on seasonal labor. Because of Congressman Harris, Homeland Security is planning to issue 15,000 more visas this year. These extra visas wont fully accommodate labor demands, but the season isnt over yet. We at Rippons Bros. Seafood are grateful to have Congressman Harris working for H-2B employers, and we support his efforts to raise the visa caps. Janet Rippons-Ruark Fishing Creek",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/local-businesses-feeling-pinch-lack-crab-pickers,Local businesses feeling the pinch of lack of crab pickers,2018-05-16,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"HOOPERS ISLAND, Md. There is crab meat crisis on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, even thoughcrabs are in good supply this season. It's not a lack of crabs, but of crab pickers. There are two schools of thought on how the lack of pickers could impact Marylanders. The price of live crabs could go down, while the cost of crab meat could skyrocket.The problem is rooted in new immigration policies by the Trump administration. Ironically, in a season where crabs are plentiful, those in the crab processing business say help can't come soon enough. Picking rooms that are normally full of crab pickers -- workers who gather the crab meat that is enjoyed in crab cakes and other delicacies -- are now empty. The Rusell Hall Seafood Processing Company hasn't been able to get visas for workers who mostly come from Mexico. Congress limited the number of visas issued and the Trump administration awarded guest visas on a lottery system rather than a first come basis. ""You know what a lottery is -- it's a gamble. How can a business gamble that it's going to get workers each year in the spring?"" Harry Phillips asked. Russell Hall Seafood is on the brink of going out of business. The island has relied on a federal seasonal work program known as H-2B visas for the past 25 years. The new lottery system has left the island's processors 40 percent short of the visas they need to make a living. ""I don't have any Americans who want to do this job,"" said Brian Hall, owner of G.W. Hall & Sons Seafood. The shortage of pickers is having a ripple effect. The town's only grocer is feeling pinched. ""Our business has very much suffered because of the lack of the people here. The trucks aren't running, boats aren't working, our hours are less,"" said Katie Doll, owner of Hoopers Island General Store. Fishermen catching bait for crabs are also impacted. ""They are not illegals. They don't climb over walls. They come here, they work, like, six, seven months, they go back home to Mexico,"" said Capt. Larry Powley. Rep. Andy Harris is working with the Trump administration to resolve the issue. The Trump administration is expected to add 15,000 more guest visas, but the since crab season is already underway, and because of the long trek from Mexico to Hoopers Island, many are worried it will be too little, too late.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-committee-approves-harris-amendment-prioritize-dredging-maryland-s-first,House Committee Approves Harris Amendment to Prioritize Dredging in Marylands First District,2018-05-16,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON DC: On May 16, the House Committee on Appropriations marked up the FY19 Energy and Water Appropriations bill. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) authored, and the committee passed, an amendment to prioritize funding for dredging projects in shallow channels, particularly in channels where shoaling can create hazardous barriers to maritime travel. Congressman Harris issued the following statement applauding the adoption of his amendment: The inclusion of this amendment in the FY19 Energy and Water Appropriations bill is a victory for coastal communities in Marylands First District and across the country. Shoaling is a serious issue for several coastal communities in Marylands First District. Recently, maritime travel and commerce in Dorchester County have been severely hindered by shoaling in the Honga River and Tar Bay Gap. My amendment ensures that hazards like the shoaling in these channels receive priority consideration for dredging by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. To further support these coastal communities, this years Energy and Water Appropriations bill increases funding for dredging shallow channels by 20 percent. Small businesses in Dorchester County depend on the use of these channels, and Im committed to working with the Army Corps of Engineers to restore the safe navigability of the Honga River and Tar Bay Gap. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-issues-statement-passage-va-mission-act,Rep. Harris Issues Statement on Passage of VA MISSION Act,2018-05-16,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On May 16, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 2372, the VA MISSION Act. The VA MISSION Act institutes critical reforms to the VAs health care system and funds the VA Choice Program. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) released the following statement after the bill was passed: As a physician and a veteran, I believe every veteran deserves accessible, high quality health care. For too long, bureaucratic red tape has forced veterans on the Eastern Shore to travel all the way to Baltimore for procedures that can be performed locally at most Shore hospitals and at other medical facilities. The VA MISSION Act will streamline the VAs community care programs, fund the VA Choice Program, and expand the VAs Post-9/11 Caregiver Program to all veterans. I applaud my colleagues in the House for passing these reforms, so the VA can provide veterans the care they deserve. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-lauds-passage-protect-and-serve-act,Rep. Harris Lauds Passage of the Protect and Serve Act,2018-05-16,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On May 16, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5698, the Protect and Serve Act. The Protect and Serve Act establishes federal penalties for violent crimes deliberately targeting federal, state, and local law enforcement. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) released the following statement lauding the bills passage: Every day, law enforcement officers across the country risk their lives to protect our communities and enforce the rule of law. Tragically, since January, 54 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty. Congress has an obligation to curb this horrific pattern of violence. By creating federal penalties for violent crimes committed against law enforcement officers, the Protect and Serve Act will help to protect the men and women in law enforcement who protect us. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-president-trump-and-secretary-azar-are-committed-protecting-patients,Rep. Harris: President Trump and Secretary Azar are Committed to Protecting Patients,2018-05-11,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On May 11, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. released the following statement after President Trump unveiled his plan for lowering the cost of prescription drugs, entitled the American Patients First Blueprint: For too long, the American people have been burdened by staggering prescription drug prices. President Trump and Secretary Azar are committed to protecting patients, encouraging American innovation, and driving down the cost of prescription drugs. Expedited reviews and approvals for generic drugs, increasing transparency between drug companies and patients, and protecting Medicare patients are critical priorities in drug pricing reform. The American Patients First Blueprint is a strong step toward restoring transparency in the prescription drug industry and delivering Americans the affordable care that they deserve. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/trump-pulls-out-iran-deal,Trump Pulls Out of Iran Deal,2018-05-09,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"15 East Churchville Road Suite 102B Bel Air, MD 21014 By Appointment Only Phone: 410-588-5670",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-applauds-decision-seek-new-iran-nuclear-agreement,Rep. Harris Applauds Decision to Seek New Iran Nuclear Agreement,2018-05-08,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On May 8, President Trump announced his intention to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, commonly referred to as the Iran nuclear deal, and seek a new agreement. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) released the following statement in support of President Trumps decision: The Iranian government sponsors terrorism, oppresses its own people, and has repeatedly threatened the United States and its allies. Without the consent of the United States Senate, the Obama Administration made a bad deal with Iran that has not made the American people or our allies any safer. I applaud President Trumps decision to reevaluate our nations strategy on Iran and seek a new, stronger Iran nuclear agreement. Any new deal with Iran must provide adequate accountability measures and cannot include a sunset date two fronts on which the previous administration failed. The Iranian regime, and the terrorists it sponsors, must never obtain a nuclear weapon. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-president-trump-s-rescissions-are-positive-progress,Rep. Harris: President Trumps Rescissions are Positive Progress,2018-05-08,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: On May 8, President Trump submitted to Congress a $15.4 billion rescissions request. The proposed rescissions package targets spending that is no longer necessary, has gone unused for a significant period of time, or has been diverted from its originally intended program. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) issued the following statement in support of the proposal: President Trumps proposed spending rescissions are positive progress toward reining in our out-of-control federal debt and deficit. Most of these proposed rescissions address unused funds from previous years dollars that are no longer authorized to be spent. As these funds sit idly in various government accounts, it only makes sense to trim that excess spending from our budget. As Congress attempts to get our nations finances in order, we must ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently and effectively. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/no-crab-pickers-sight-marylands-crab-industry-struggles-stay-afloat,"No Crab Pickers in Sight, Maryland's Crab Industry Struggles to Stay Afloat",2018-05-04,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Watch Here (WBOC) HOOPER'S ISLAND, Md. - Nearly half of Maryland crab houses have no workers after their mostly-Mexican workers failed to get visas, forcing seafood businesses like AE Phillips inFishing Creekto shut down completely. It's a tough time for general manager, Morgan Tolley, who says he has to turn away multiple watermen a day. In January, the U.S. government received a record 81,000 applications - a far cry from the 33,000 available between the months of April and September. This year, the government chose to use a lottery system. Places like AE Phillips and Russell Hall Seafood, also in Fishing Creek, were not picked. ""Right now, we have nothing,"" Russell Hall Seafood owner, Harry Phillips, said. ""It's a ripple effect. It affects a lot of people - hundreds of people."" Both Phillips and Tolley say the visas are necessary. Without them, they can't afford to hire American workers and continue with business. In May, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to release another 15,000 visas nationwide, but seafood businesses say it's not enough. Lawmakers like Congressman Andy Harris say they're still working to adjust the visa cap. Meanwhile, Gov. Larry Hogan wrote to both the departments of Homeland Security and Labor, pleading on behalf of the Maryland crab industry. There are some winners though. Further uptown, crab pickers were busy hacking away inside GW Hall Seafood. As for Tolley, he's still waiting to place his bets. ""I'm in it to win it, but I don't know if I can win it,"" Tolley said. A good portion of H2-B visas were given out to states in the South following a number of natural disasters.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/visa-restrictions-hurting-crab-industry,Visa Restrictions Hurting Crab Industry,2018-05-04,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"15 East Churchville Road Suite 102B Bel Air, MD 21014 By Appointment Only Phone: 410-588-5670",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/in-the-news/importance-knapps-narrows-dredging-program-highlighted,Importance of Knapps Narrows Dredging Program Highlighted,2018-05-03,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Knapps Narrows dredging program, undertaken by Southwind Construction to ensure continued safe navigation along the federal channel, is now officially completed. We are excited that the project has been completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers just as boating season begins. This dredging will have an enormous impact on Talbot County and the Tilghman community, the Maryland House of Delegates stated in theirletter. The people and small businesses in Marylands First District who rely on Knapps Narrows for transporting goods and fishing will be able to conduct their business without interruption, addedRep. Andy Harris, M.D. As part of this $1.4 million dredging contract, Southwind removed roughly 100,000 cubic yards of material from the Knapps Narrows Federal Navigation Channel to restore it to its authorized depth of 9 feet (MLLW), plus two feet of allowable overdepth, and a width of 75 feet. During the work, USACE coordinated closely with the Maryland Department of Environment and Talbot County on the project and dredge material placement site.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-harris-announces-military-service-academy-resource-forums,Congressman Harris Announces Military Service Academy Resource Forums,2018-04-20,2018,2018-04,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC: Next month, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) will host two military service academy resource forums for students in Marylands First Congressional District. Congressman Harris has invited representatives from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, and Naval Academies to attend these forums and discuss the application processes for each academy. Staff from the Congressmans office will also explain Dr. Harris role in the nomination process. These events are excellent opportunities for high school students to explore their options for higher education. All students in Marylands First Congressional District are invited and encouraged to attend. Harford County Event Date: May 1, 2018 Time: 6:00 8:00 PM Location: Bel Air High School, 100 Heighe Street, Bel Air, MD 21014 To RSVP, please contact Dr. Harris Bel Air office at 410-588-5670 Wicomico County Event Date: May 22, 2018 Time: 6:00 8:00 PM Location: Black Diamond Lodge, 219 S. Fruitland Blvd, Fruitland, MD 21826 To RSVP, please contact Dr. Harris Salisbury office at 443-944-8624 ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z