Dear Friend,

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore was a devastating tragedy for the State of Maryland and for many fellow Marylanders who are employed by the Port of Baltimore. As we reflect on the Key Bridge collapse, we must keep the families of those who lost their lives in our prayers, and we must continue to thank our First Responders whose heroic actions saved lives.

The Key Bridge is one of the heaviest-trafficked bridges in Maryland. Its collapse halted the flow of ships in and out of the Port of Baltimore and it is estimated that thousands of jobs are at stake because of its closure. Since the beginning of this tragedy, I have been clear: We must concentrate on recovering the victims and bringing closure to their grieving families. Secondly, we must clear the channel and reopen the Port. The Baltimore Port is one of the largest U.S. ports by volume for handling farm and construction machinery, as well as agricultural products. In total, it is estimated that the Port supports more than 15,000 jobs -- 8,000 of which could be affected by the Key Bridge collapse.

As we work to rebuild the bridge, it is important that any environmental and labor regulations that would delay its rapid reconstruction are waived. It is also important that we seek maximum liability from the foreign owned and operated shipping companies before we commit the American taxpayer to fully pay for the reconstruction of the bridge.

To read my full statement, click here:

As officials move into the Key Bridge cleanup phase, here are a few resources that may be of help:

The official State website for the Key Bridge collapse can be viewed here: Key Bridge Response.
Marylanders are being urged to call the Coast Guard to report any sightings of debris. Phone number: 410-205-6625.
The Maryland Department of Labor has created an unemployment insurance hotline for workers affected by the Key Bridge collapse. Unemployment assistance can be accessed here or by calling: 667-930-5989.
Small Businesses can access disaster loan assistance here: Small Business Administration or by calling: 800-659-2955.

District Updates

Calling All First District Artists:

The Congressional Art Competition Deadline is underway and the deadline for submissions is coming up on April 25th.

All high school students in Maryland’s First Congressional District are encouraged to apply. A winner from the First Congressional District will be chosen to display his or her artwork in the U.S. Capitol building for one year.

Click here for more information or contact my office at 202-225-5311.

There will also be an art show reception in the District this Spring. All participants are invited to attend. Please reach out to my office for more info.

Maryland Crabbing Season:

April 1st marked the beginning of crabbing season here in Maryland. As the representative of Maryland's Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coast, which is home to many watermen who harvest blue crab, I am proud of the work we've done in Washington to ensure our seafood industry in the Chesapeake Bay can be appreciated by future generations of Marylanders.

For more information regarding the regulations for crabbing season, please visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources' website HERE.

Tax Season Assistance

IRS

With less than two weeks until the tax filing date, I wanted to highlight a few important resources available to you as a tax filer. The IRS regularly hosts Saturday "office" hours for you to meet face-to-face with an agent. You can find which days as well as which locations are closest to you by clicking here: IRS Face-to-Face Saturday Help.

AARP

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides in-person and virtual tax assistance to anyone, free of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income. Tax-Aide volunteers are located nationwide and are trained and IRS-certified every year to make sure they know about and understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code. CLICK HERE to find an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide location in your area and to learn more about the program.

Committee Update

Recent Appropriations Hearings:

As Congress prepares for the Fiscal Year (FY) 25 Appropriations season, the House Appropriations Committee has begun to hold hearings with Biden Administration officials. As Chair of the Agriculture, Rural Development, and FDA Subcommittee, I remain committed to ensuring the Biden Administration is accountable for any misuse of taxpayer dollars.

As part of the hearings, I also participated in questioning Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack and Secretary of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra about their increased request for taxpayer funds and the woke regulations that are running rampant in their agencies.

First House Agriculture Appropriations Hearing: Fellow Agriculture Subcommittee Members from left to right: Rep. Ben Cline, Rep. Julia Letlow, Rep. Ashley Hinson, and Rep. David Valadao.

If you are interested in hearing my opening statement, my questions for the Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, and the overall priorities for the Department of Agriculture's budget request, you can view the entire hearing by clicking the link below.

Budget Hearing - Fiscal Year 2025 Request for the Department of Agriculture

If you wish to learn more about the priorities for the Department of Health and Human Services and my questions to Secretary Becerra, please click the link below.

Budget Hearing - Fiscal Year 2025 Request for the Department of Health and Human Services

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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