Mr. Chair, let's review some of the things we have heard and some of the facts about the bill. I will start by saying that when Gallup polls the American public, the American public thinks that 43 cents out of every Federal dollar is wasted. That amounts to 43 percent of the Federal dollar wasted, in the minds of Americans. The President was elected to increase the efficiency of the Federal Government, realizing that Americans think 43 percent of the money is wasted. Mr. Chair, this bill reduces the spending from the enacted level by 1.4 percent.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatR+23R shift +11$1.2M raised
Andy Harris
Representative · Maryland · Republican
Andy Harris
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Chair, I rise today to bring before the House H.R. 8646, the fiscal year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations bill. I thank Appropriations Committee Chairman Cole for his leadership and quickly moving the fiscal year 2027 appropriations process forward. I also recognize the ranking member of the full committee, Ms. DeLauro, and the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee ranking member, Mr. Bishop, for their work in getting us to this point.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of my former colleague from Maryland, Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, on the occasion of his 100th birthday today. An extraordinary American, scientist, inventor, farmer, and Representative of the Sixth District of Maryland, Roscoe held 20 patents supporting our Nation's defense. In Congress, he used his scientific expertise to champion energy independence, national security, and small businesses. He raised concerns about our Nation's electric grid and its vulnerabilities years before the issue came to the forefront.
Biography
A physician by training, Andy Harris brought his experience as an anesthesiologist to Congress when he was elected as the U.S. Representative for Maryland’s 1st district in 2010. He has prioritized healthcare reform, agricultural policy, and fiscal responsibility throughout his tenure. Harris authored legislation to expand access to rural healthcare and has served as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, influencing federal spending decisions. He is recognized for his direct engagement with constituents and a focused approach to representing Maryland’s Eastern Shore and rural communities.
Education
- M.H.S., Johns Hopkins University1995
- M.D., Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD1980
- B.S. in Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD1977
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2011-PresentRepresenting Maryland's 1st district
Member, Maryland Senate
1998–2010(Minority Whip, 2003–06)
Anesthesiologist
Policy Focus
Economics and Public Finance56%
Health11%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Andy Harris's record in Congress.
Opioid Crisis Response
Co-sponsored and supported legislation to expand access to opioid addiction treatment and prevention programs.
Chesapeake Bay Restoration
Secured federal funding for Chesapeake Bay cleanup and environmental restoration initiatives.
Rural Broadband Expansion
Advocated for increased federal investment to expand high-speed internet access in rural Maryland communities.
Veterans Health Care
Supported measures to improve health care services and access for veterans in Maryland’s First District.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Appropriations
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