Dear Friend,

I wanted to provide an update on the work I am doing in the House of Representatives to represent the great people of Maryland's First Congressional District and to advance commonsense, conservative legislation in Washington, D.C.

Strengthening Laws to Ensure Real Consequences for Youth Crime

This week, I voted in strong support of the DC CRIMES Act to reform Washington, D.C.'s broken sentencing laws and hold violent offenders accountable. This bill lowers the age for “youth offender” status from 24 to 18, making it clear that violent criminals will no longer receive reduced treatment simply because of age.

It also ends judges’ ability to hand down sentences for youth offenders below mandatory minimums. In addition, the bill requires the D.C. Attorney General to post monthly youth crime data online to increase transparency and accountability. I’m proud to support Congressman Byron Donalds’ legislation that holds offenders accountable and restores law and order in our nation’s capital.

Cracking Down on Violent Juvenile Crime

I voted to pass the DC Juvenile Sentencing Reform Act to confront the troubling surge of violent crimes carried out by juveniles in Washington, D.C. For too long, repeat offenders committing armed robberies, carjackings, and assaults have been treated as children rather than adults. This legislation lowers the age of juveniles to be tried as adults from 16 to 14 for certain violent crimes. It is a critical step toward restoring law and order and ensuring that our nation’s capital is a safe place for Maryland families and the millions of visitors who come each year.

Restoring Police Pursuit Authority to Keep Communities Safe

I also voted in support of the District of Columbia Policing Protecting Act to end D.C.’s dangerous no-pursuit policies. These rules allowed criminals to exploit the system, stealing cars, carrying out violent crimes, and escaping knowing police couldn't pursue them. This bill restores officers’ authority to pursue fleeing suspects and directs the Department of Justice to strengthen public safety alerts, so communities are better protected. By holding criminals accountable and giving police the tools they need, we will restore law and order to our nation's capital.

Advancing Energy Projects to Deliver Reliable, Affordable Power

I joined my colleagues in passing the Promoting Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure Act to strengthen North America’s energy partnership and expand opportunities for American workers. The bill establishes a uniform process for approving pipelines and electric transmission lines that cross our borders with Canada and Mexico, replacing the outdated approach that has long delayed critical energy projects. This legislation will support new construction and energy jobs, expand markets for U.S. producers, and ensure communities here in Maryland benefit from reliable and affordable energy.

Supporting Coal to Protect American Energy Jobs

This week, the House passed the National Coal Council Reestablishment Act to give our communities a stronger voice in keeping energy reliable and affordable. The bill permanently reestablishes the National Coal Council, which advises the Department of Energy on policies that shape America’s energy supply and use of coal. With more than 400 years of reserves, coal remains a dependable part of our energy mix that helps keep electricity costs down for families, farmers, and small businesses in Maryland and across the country. The bill restores the Council’s role in federal energy planning, keeping coal at the heart of a balanced strategy that delivers affordable energy and supports American jobs.

Putting Maryland Families First with Reliable, Affordable Energy

I also voted to pass the GRID Power Act to put Maryland families, farmers, and small businesses first by ensuring access to affordable and reliable electricity. The bill empowers grid operators to quickly advance energy projects that are ready to deliver constant power, as opposed to unreliable wind and solar. This is essential to meeting the growing demand for electricity in Maryland homes, schools, and local industries. By strengthening the grid and prioritizing reliability, this legislation helps protect our communities from rising energy costs.

District Updates

Working with Maryland Farm Bureau to Support Eastern Shore Agriculture

This week, I met with the Maryland Farm Bureau to talk about the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture on the Eastern Shore. Farming, particularly poultry and grain production, is the backbone of our local economy and supports thousands of jobs and families. As Chair of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Appropriations, I’m fighting to protect farmland and strengthen the programs Maryland farmers depend on. I’m proud to partner with the Maryland Farm Bureau to tackle these critical challenges facing Maryland’s First District.

Meeting with GOP Doctors Caucus to Strengthen Drug Oversight

This week, I met with the GOP Doctors Caucus and FDA Commissioner Dr. Makary to address the growing threat of unregulated drug products in our communities. Too often, smoke shops are selling hemp-derived and opioid-like compounds with no oversight, and these products often end up in the hands of young people and devastate families here in Maryland's First District and across the country. The FDA is taking steps to crack down on these illicit networks while also strengthening American drug manufacturing and ensuring patients have access to treatments that are proven and reliable. These efforts are about protecting families and preserving the health and safety of Maryland communities.

In The News

House Republicans Pass Continuing Resolution to Keep Government Open

Today, I voted to pass the Continuing Resolution to fund the government while we continue to negotiate with the Senate on the full passage of this year's appropriations bills. By passing this short-term continuing resolution, we are ensuring our military remains fully funded and our government stays open for the American people. This bill holds spending at current levels, prevents taxpayer dollars from being wasted on wasteful projects, and keeps the focus on national defense and essential services. Meanwhile, House and Senate Democrats have indicated they will vote to shut the government down for over one trillion in unrelated policy demands.

Fox News: House Freedom Caucus chair, other Republicans back Trump in designating Antifa a terror organization

I strongly support President Trump’s decision to designate Antifa as a terrorist organization. Antifa is a dangerous, radical group that thrives on chaos and violence, and this step is critical to protecting our communities. I have also called for a full investigation into those who fund Antifa, because we must hold its backers accountable and put an end to this lawlessness once and for all.

To read the Fox News article, click HERE.

Washington Watch with Tony Perkins: Rep. Andy Harris on Capitol Hill Conversations and Budget Talks

This week, I spoke with Tony Perkins about the need for fiscal discipline in Washington. These handouts only drive spending higher and make it harder to get our budget under control. That’s why I am pushing for a two-year budget cycle that forces Washington to plan responsibly, cut waste, and give taxpayers certainty about how their money is spent.

To watch the full interview, click 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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