Dear Friend,

This week, I come to you with a heavy heart as the country mourns the loss of conservative leader, Charlie Kirk. Charlie Kirk was a bold and outspoken voice for conservative values, and his assassination marks a dark moment in our country. His voice and vision left a lasting mark, and he will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude.

Charlie Kirk worked tirelessly to inspire the next generation of Americans to stand for freedom. My prayers are with his wife Erika, his children, and his family as they face this unimaginable loss.

Legislative Work in The House of Representatives:

Cracking Down on Illegal Reentry to Protect Maryland Families

This week, I voted in support of the Stop Illegal Entry Act of 2025 that strengthens penalties for illegal immigrants who enter or reenter the United States unlawfully. Under the Biden Administration, weak enforcement allowed repeat offenders and convicted criminals to illegally reenter the country with little consequence, putting families in Maryland’s First District at risk.

Under this legislation, aliens who enter our country illegally and are later convicted of a felony, are required to be sentenced from 5 years to life in prison. And felons who have already been removed and try to reenter will now serve 10 years to life in prison. These tougher penalties protect our communities, support law enforcement, hold offenders accountable, and deliver real security for Maryland families.

Cutting Wasteful DEI Programs and Strengthening Law Enforcement

This week, the House Appropriations Committee advanced the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which reins in federal bureaucracy and eliminates wasteful progressive programs. The bill defunds DEI and Critical Race Theory initiatives, cuts climate change slush funds, and redirects resources to law enforcement, border security, and national defense.

The bill increases support for the Drug Enforcement Administration and law enforcement to combat fentanyl and transnational crime, a critical priority for Maryland’s First District. The measure also strengthens sheriffs and police by ensuring they have the tools to keep communities safe, while preserving pro-life protections, safeguarding Second Amendment rights from ATF overreach, and blocking federal targeting of free speech.

Improving Rural Healthcare and Protecting Maryland Farmers

This week, I helped advance the Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which cuts spending and eliminates more than 100 wasteful programs. As a physician, I know how important access to care is in rural areas, and this bill ensures those services through the Make America Healthy Again initiative. This program expands telehealth, strengthens chronic care management, and improves nutrition services. These resources are critical for rural communities in Maryland’s First District. The bill also protects our local farms by rolling back Biden’s one-size-fits-all regulations that have driven up costs and made it harder for small farms to survive.

Fighting for National Security and Blocking Dangerous Offshore Wind Projects

This week, I spoke on the House Floor about the national security risks of offshore wind industrialization in Maryland’s First District. Our shoreline is the closest to Washington, D.C., which makes these risks even greater. These new turbines are more than double the size of the first models, lack any real-world testing at sea, and could compromise critical coastal detection systems. If those defenses are weakened, Russian and Chinese submarines could approach the U.S. undetected. Sweden recently canceled 12 of 13 offshore wind projects near Russia after defense officials warned the turbines would delay missile detection by one to two minutes. In a crisis, that kind of delay could mean the difference between defense and disaster. National security must always come first. We cannot put America’s safety at risk for costly and unproven energy projects. To watch the full video and remarks, click HERE.

Restoring Military Strength and Eliminating Wasteful DEI Spending

This week, I voted for the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act to protect Maryland families and ensure America’s military remains the best in the world. Under President Trump, every branch of the military is on track to meet or exceed recruitment goals.

The FY26 NDAA builds on that success by eliminating DEI offices and programs, banning Critical Race Theory training, and ensuring promotions and admissions are based on merit, not ideology. It also cuts more than $1 billion in wasteful climate programs and blocks taxpayer funds from going to antisemitic universities or firms that blacklist conservative views.

This bill puts our servicemembers first, restores accountability, and ensures our military stays strong and ready to fight for Maryland and for the nation.

District Updates

Supporting SAVE Act to Protect Election Integrity

This week in Annapolis, I joined the Tea Party Patriots and the Maryland Freedom Caucus to rally support for the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act.

The bill ensures that only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections by requiring proof of citizenship, much like the Real ID process. Right now, voters simply check a box affirming citizenship, which leaves the system open to abuse.

American elections must be decided by citizens who are alive and living where they are registered. When ballots are cast by people who have died or moved away, it undermines trust in our elections. The SAVE Act provides a commonsense safeguard to protect the integrity of the ballot box and strengthen confidence in our democracy.

Working with UMES to Strengthen Education and Research

I had the pleasure of welcoming Jim Mathias and his team from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore to my Washington office. UMES plays a vital role in higher education on the Eastern Shore, not only through the opportunities it provides for students, but also through its groundbreaking research, extension programs, and community partnerships that strengthen our local economy and improve quality of life.

I am grateful for the dedication of Jim and his team as they continue to advance UMES’s mission, and I look forward to supporting their work to ensure the university remains a driving force for Maryland’s First District.

Remembering September 11 and Honoring Eastern Shore Heroes

On the anniversary of September 11, 2001, we remember the lives lost and the families forever changed. We also honor the first responders and servicemembers whose bravery, in the face of tragedy, continue to inspire us.

Here on the Eastern Shore, that same commitment continues through Operation We Care in Salisbury, which faithfully supports our troops, veterans, and first responders. To watch my full video, click HERE.

In The News

Congressman Harris praises Wicomico County’s new partnership with ICE

This week, I applauded Wicomico County for partnering with ICE under the 287(g) program, which ensures criminal illegal aliens in custody are turned over to federal authorities instead of being released back into our communities.

This agreement is an important step to keep our neighborhoods safe. To read the full article, click HERE.

Securing $50 Million for New Dredging Vessel to Protect Maryland’s Waterways

This week, I announced the House-passed FY26 Energy & Water Appropriations Act secured $50 million for a new shallow-draft dredging vessel to maintain navigation channels along the East Coast. I was proud to lead a bipartisan coalition of 15 members of Congress from coastal states and districts to secure this $50 million investment to build a new dredging vessel for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

For too long, critical dredging projects have been slowed due to the age and maintenance demands of Dredge Currituck. My language will ensure the prompt replacement of Dredge Currituck and deliver a long-term solution needed to sustain coastal economies up and down the East Coast.

Before leaving office, Senator Ben Cardin urged me to ensure this long-needed project finally became a reality after years of unsuccessful attempts to secure a new dredge vessel. I’m proud to have led the effort that brought this project to completion for Maryland and the entire East Coast.

To read the full articles, click HERE and HERE.

How We Can Help

If you have ever had any issue with a Federal agency, like the IRS, the VA, Social Security, Medicare, or passports, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. My office teams are ready to assist you. If you are interested in purchasing a flag that has been flown over the U.S. Capitol, for a special person or special occasion, please visit my website or call my office at 202-225-5311. Below are links to services my office offers and we hope to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Andy Harris, M.D.
Member of Congress

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