Andrew Harris

This article is about Andrew Harris, a Maryland congressman. For the Indiana candidate, see Andy Harris.

Andrew Harris (Republican Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing Maryland's 1st Congressional District. He assumed office on January 3, 2011. His current term ends on January 3, 2023.

Harris (Republican Party) is running for re-election to the U.S. House to represent Maryland's 1st Congressional District. He is on the ballot in the Republican primary on July 19, 2022.

Harris was first elected to Congress in 2010. Prior to his election in the House, Harris was a member of the Maryland State Senate from 1998 to 2010. He also served as a physician in the U.S. Naval Reserves.^[1]

Based on analysis of multiple outside rankings, Harris is an average Republican member of Congress, meaning he will vote with the Republican Party on the majority of bills.

Biography[edit]

Harris was born on January 25, 1957, in Brooklyn, NY. He earned his B.S. and M.D. from Johns Hopkins University in 1977 and 1980, respectively. He went on to earn his M.H.S. from Johns Hopkins in 1995. Prior to his political career, Harris worked as a physician, also serving in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1988-2010.^[1]

Career[edit]

Below is an abbreviated outline of Harris' academic, professional, and political career:^[1]

2011-Present: U.S. Representative from Maryland's 1st Congressional District
2008: Unsuccessful Candidate for Election to U.S. House of Representatives
1998-2010: Maryland State Senate
- 2008: Minority Whip
1988-2010: U.S. Naval Reserve

Committee assignments[edit]

U.S. House[edit]

2021-2022

Harris was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

House Committee on Appropriations
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies

2019-2020

Harris was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

House Committee on Appropriations

2017-2018[edit]

At the beginning of the 115th Congress, Harris was assigned to the following committees:^[2]

Committee on Appropriations

2015-2016[edit]

Harris served on the following committees:^[3]

Appropriations Committee
- Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
- Subcommittee on Homeland Security
- Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies

2013-2014[edit]

Harris served on the following committees:^[4]^[5]

Committee on Appropriations
- Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
- Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
- Subcommittee on Legislative Branch

2011-2012[edit]

Harris served on the following House committees:^[6]

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
- Subcommittee on Highways and Transit
- Subcommittee on Water Resources & Environment
- Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation
Natural Resources Committee
- Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
- Subcommittee on Energy and Environment Chairman
- Subcommittee on Research and Science Education

Maryland State Senate[edit]

1999-2010[edit]

Education, Health & Environmental Affairs Committee
- Health Subcommittee
- Licensing & Regulatory Affairs Subcommittee
- Alcoholic Beverages Subcommittee
Legislative Ethics
- Election Law Subcommittee
Health Care Delivery & Financing

Key votes[edit]

See also: Key votes

Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, click here.

Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2020[edit]

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress[edit]

Key votes (click "show" to expand or "hide" to contract)

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018[edit]

For detailed information about each vote, click here.

Votes on domestic policy (click to expand)

Voted Nay on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (Conference report) (HR 2)

Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018

Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023.^[7]

Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2 (second vote))

Bill Passed (213-211) on June 21, 2018

Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance. It also proposed modifying the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as the food stamp program.^[8]

Voted Yea on: Securing America’s Future Act of 2018 (HR 4760)

Bill Failed (193-231) on June 21, 2018

Proposed funding a border wall, limiting legal immigration, a mandatory worker verification program, allowing DACA recipients to apply for legal status, and preventing separation of families at the border.^[9]

Voted Nay on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)

Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018

Reauthorizes through FY2023 and modifies some Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs.^[10]

Voted Yea on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR 36)

Bill Passed (237-189) on October 3, 2017

Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill provided exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest.^[11]

Voted Yea on: Kate's Law (HR 3004)

Bill Passed (257-167) on June 29, 2017

Proposed increasing criminal penalties for individuals in the country illegally who were convicted of certain crimes, deported, and then re-entered the U.S. illegally.^[12]

Voted Yea on: No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (HR 3003)

Bill Passed (228-195) on June 29, 2017

Proposed withholding federal funds from states and localities that chose not to follow federal immigration laws.^[13]

Voted Yea on: American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)

Bill passed (217-213) on May 4, 2017

Proposed modifying the budgetary and fiscal provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.^[14]

Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand)

Voted Nay on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 6157)

Bill Passed (361-61) on September 26, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.^[15]

Voted Nay on: Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 5895)

Bill Passed (377-20) on September 13, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.^[16]

Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 6157)

Bill Passed (359-49) on June 28, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.^[17]

Voted Yea on: Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 5895)

Bill Passed (235-179) on June 8, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.^[18]

Voted Yea on: Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (S 2155)

Bill Passed (258-159) on May 22, 2018

Proposed exempting some banks from the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act^[19]

Voted Nay on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)

Bill Passed (256-167) on March 22, 2018

Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.^[20]

Voted Nay on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)

Bill Passed (240-186) on February 9, 2018

Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.^[21]

Voted Yea on: Further Extension Of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1892)

Bill Passed (245-182) on February 6, 2018

Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.^[22]

Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)

Bill Passed (266-150) on January 22, 2018

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018.^[23]

Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)

Bill Passed (230-197) on January 18, 2018

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 16, 2018.^[24]

Voted Yea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)

Bill Passed (231-188) on December 21, 2017

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018.^[25]

Voted Yea on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

Bill Passed (227-203) on December 19, 2017

Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.^[26]

Voted Nay on: Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes (HJ Res 123)

Bill Passed (235-193) on December 7, 2017

Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017.^[27]

Voted Yea on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

Bill Passed (227-205) on November 16, 2017

Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses.^[28]

Voted Yea on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

Bill Passed (216-212) on October 26, 2017

Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027. (This bill proposed adopting the Senate's budget resolution.)^[29]

Voted Yea on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

Bill Passed (219-206) on October 5, 2017

Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027.^[30]

Voted Yea on: Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3354)

Bill Passed (211-198) on September 14, 2017

Proposed providing FY2018 appropriations for the federal government. It combined 12 appropriations bills.^[31]

Voted Nay on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)

Bill Passed (316-90) on September 8, 2017

Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts.^[32]

Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 601)

Bill Passed (419-3) on September 6, 2017

Proposed providing $7.85 billion for disaster relief requirements, including response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey.^[33]

Voted Yea on: Financial CHOICE Act of 2017 (HR 10)

Bill passed (233-186) on June 8, 2017

Proposed amending the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, among other acts.^[34]

Voted Nay on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)

Bill passed (309-118) on May 3, 2017

Proposed a $1.2 trillion budget to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017.^[35]

Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand)

Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (HR 5515)

Bill Passed (351-66) on May 24, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities^[36]

Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)

Bill Passed (250-166) on January 30, 2018

Proposed providing appropriations for military functions administered by the Department of Defense and for other purposes, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018.^[37]

Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018—Conference report (HR 2810)

Bill Passed (356-70) on November 14, 2017

Proposed authorizing FY2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths.^[38]

Voted Yea on: Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3219)

Bill Passed (235-192) on July 27, 2017

Proposed making appropriations for defense, military construction, Veterans Affairs, the Legislative Branch, energy and water development, and for other purposes for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2018.^[39]

Voted Yea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)

Bill Passed (419-3) on July 25, 2017

Proposed providing congressional review and measures to counter aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.^[40]

Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180, second vote)

Bill Passed (380-35) on July 28, 2017

Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.^[41]

Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180)

Bill Failed (241-163) on July 24, 2017

Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.^[42]

Voted Nay on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)

Bill Passed (344-81) on July 14, 2017

Proposed authorizing fiscal year 2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It did not provide budget authority.^[43]

Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 1301)

Bill passed (371-48) on March 8, 2017

The $577.9 billion fiscal year 2017 defense spending bill proposed $516.1 billion in base budget funding and $61.8 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism funding.^[44]

114th Congress[edit]

The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.^[45]^[46] For more information pertaining to Harris's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.^[47]

Economic and fiscal[edit]

Trade Act of 2015[edit]

See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015

Trade act procedural motion
On June 11, 2015, 34 House Republicans voted against a procedural motion to open up debate on a Senate amendment to the Trade Act of 2015, the primary bill associated with the Trans-Pacific Partnership. The White House and GOP leadership supported the motion, as well as the TPP, while most House Democrats opposed it. The rule passed 217 to 202, but Speaker John Boehner (R) openly expressed his disapproval of the House Republicans who voted against it, telling reporters shortly afterwards, "I made it clear to members today I am not happy about it."^[48] Several of these Republicans lost leadership positions in the weeks following the vote, causing some to see a connection between the demotions and the vote against the procedural motion.^[49] Harris was one of 34 Republicans to vote against the procedural motion.^[50]
Trade adjustment assistance
On June 12, 2015, the House rejected the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 126-302. Trade adjustment assistance (TAA) is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. The measure was packaged with trade promotion authority (TPA), also known as fast-track authority. TPA is a legislative procedure that allows Congress to define "U.S. negotiating objectives and spells out a detailed oversight and consultation process for during trade negotiations. Under TPA, Congress retains the authority to review and decide whether any proposed U.S. trade agreement will be implemented," according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Harris was one of 158 Republicans to vote against TAA.^[51]^[52]
Trade promotion authority
On June 12, 2015, the House passed the trade promotion authority (TPA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent to Congress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill including trade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Harris was one of 54 Republicans to vote against the measure.^[53]^[54]
Trade promotion authority second vote
After the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and trade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass the House together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment to HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining their original positions on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Harris was one of 50 Republicans to vote against the amendment.^[55]^[56]
Trade adjustment assistance second vote
The House passed HR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. The Senate packaged trade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along with trade promotion authority (TPA), which Congress passed as part of HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Harris was one of 132 Republicans to vote against HR 1295.^[57]^[58]

Defense spending authorization[edit]

On May 15, 2015, the House passed HR 1735—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Harris voted with 227 other Republicans and 41 Democrats to approve the bill.^[59] The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.^[60]

On November 5, 2015, the House passed S 1356—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 370-58. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included $5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison.^[61]^[62] Harris voted with 234 other Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill.^[63] On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015.^[64]

2016 Budget proposal[edit]

On April 30, 2015, the House voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution was designed to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183 Democrats who voted, voted against the resolution. Harris voted with 225 other Republicans to approve the bill.^[65]^[66]^[67]

2015 budget[edit]

On October 28, 2015, the House passed HR 1314—the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015—by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017.^[68] Harris voted with 166 Republicans against the bill.^[69] It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015.^[70] President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015.

Foreign Affairs[edit]

Iran nuclear deal[edit]

See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015

On May 14, 2015, the House approved HR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Harris voted with 18 other Republican representatives against the bill.^[71]^[72]

Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
On September 11, 2015, the House rejected HR 3461—To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approving the nuclear agreement with Iran. Harris voted with 243 Republicans and 25 Democrats against the bill.^[73]^[74]

Suspension of Iran sanctions relief
On September 11, 2015, the House approved HR 3460—To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibited "the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury." Harris voted with 244 Republicans and two Democrats for the bill.^[75]^[76]

Presidential non-compliance of section 2
On September 10, 2015, the House passed H Res 411—Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. House Republicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Harris voted with 244 Republicans for the resolution.^[77]^[78]

Export-Import Bank[edit]

On October 27, 2015, the House passed HR 597—the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015—by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposed reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that wanted to buy U.S. goods.^[79] Harris voted with 116 Republicans and one Democrat against the bill.^[80]

Domestic[edit]

USA FREEDOM Act of 2015[edit]

On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 2048—the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015—by a vote of 338-88. The legislation revised HR 3199—the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005—by ending the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Harris voted with 46 Republicans and 41 Democrats against the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015.^[81]^[82]

Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act[edit]

On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 36—the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act—by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposed prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus was determined to be 20 weeks or older. The bill proposed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Harris voted with 237 Republicans in favor of the bill.^[83]^[84]

Cyber security[edit]

On April 23, 2015, the House passed HR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015—by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies.^[85] Harris voted with 219 Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill.^[86]

On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116.^[87] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Harris voted with 36 Republicans and 79 Democrats against the bill.^[88]

Immigration[edit]

On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137.^[89] The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Harris voted with 241 Republicans and 47 Democrats in favor of the bill.^[90]

113th Congress[edit]

The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.^[91] For more information pertaining to Harris's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.^[92]

National security[edit]

DHS Appropriations[edit]

Harris voted in favor of HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 and was largely along party lines.^[93]

Keystone Pipeline Amendment[edit]

Harris voted against House Amendment 69, which would have amended HR 3 to "require that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, conduct a study of the vulnerabilities of the Keystone XL pipeline to a terrorist attack and certify that necessary protections have been put in place." The amendment failed on May 22, 2013, with a vote of 176 - 239 and was largely along party lines.^[93]

CISPA (2013)[edit]

Harris voted in favor of HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities.^[94] The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.^[93]

NDAA[edit]

Harris voted in support of HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.^[93]

Economy[edit]

Farm bill[edit]

On January 29, 2014, the U.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, H.R. 2642, also known as the Farm Bill.^[95] The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill reformed and continued various programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that would kick in when prices drop.^[96]^[97] It also cut the food stamp program an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states.^[97] Harris voted with 62 other Republican representatives against the bill.

2014 Budget[edit]

On January 15, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014.^[98]^[99] The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582-page bill, with 64 Republicans and three Democrats voting against the bill.^[99] The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations.^[100] It increased the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel by 1 percent, increased Head Start funding for early childhood education by $1 billion, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and protected the Affordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. Harris voted with the majority of the Republican Party in favor of the bill.^[98]

Government shutdown[edit]

See also: United States budget debate, 2013

On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.^[101] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.^[102] Harris voted to approve the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.^[103]

The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.^[104] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Harris voted against HR 2775.^[105]

Immigration[edit]

Morton Memos Prohibition[edit]

Harris voted in favor of House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status. The vote largely followed party lines.^[93]

Healthcare[edit]

Health Care Reform Rules[edit]

Harris voted in favor of House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines.^[93]

Keep the IRS Off Your Health Care Act[edit]

Harris voted in favor of HR 2009 - Keep the IRS Off Your Health Care Act of 2013. The bill passed through the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 232-185. The bill would prevent the IRS and Treasury Secretary from enforcing the powers provided to them in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The vote largely followed party lines.^[93]

Social issues[edit]

Amash amendment[edit]

Harris voted in favor of House Amendment 413 - Prohibits the National Security Agency from Collecting Records Under the Patriot Act. The amendment failed on July 4, 2013, by a vote of 205-217. The amendment would have prohibited the collection of records by the National Security Agency under the Patriot Act. Both parties were split on the vote.^[93]

Government affairs[edit]

HR 676[edit]

See also: Boehner's lawsuit against the Obama administration

On July 30, 2014, the U.S. House approved a resolution 225 to 201 to sue President Barack Obama for exceeding his constitutional authority. Five Republicans—Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Paul Broun of Georgia, Scott Garrett of New Jersey, Walter Jones of North Carolina and Steve Stockman of Texas—voted with Democrats against the lawsuit.^[106] Harris joined the other 224 Republicans in favor of the lawsuit. All Democrats voted against the resolution.^[107]^[108]

Previous congressional sessions[edit]

Fiscal Cliff[edit]

Harris voted against the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was 1 of 151 Republicans that voted against the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.^[109]

Issues[edit]

House Freedom Caucus[edit]

Harris was listed as a member of the House Freedom Caucus according to reports by CNN and Roll Call released in March 2017. The House Freedom Caucus does not have an official membership list. Caucus membership was estimated to be roughly 29 members in March 2017.^[110]^[111]

National security[edit]

American response in Syria[edit]

See also: United States involvement in Syria

Harris said on September 3, 2013, that he did not support U.S. military intervention in Syria.^[112]

"The decision to engage militarily is one of the most serious a member of Congress can make, and, although at this point I would not vote for military intervention, I plan to examine all of the evidence before making a decision," Harris said in a statement.^[112] "I appreciate President Obama fulfilling his constitutional obligation by seeking congressional authorization before using military force in Syria," Harris said. "There are serious questions about whether taking military action against Syria is in our national security interest and how the United States should respond to nations around the world who use chemical weapons against their own citizens."^[112]

Noteworthy events[edit]

Electoral vote certification on January 6-7, 2021[edit]

See also: Counting of electoral votes (January 6-7, 2021)

Congress convened a joint session on January 6-7, 2021, to count electoral votes by state and confirm the results of the 2020 presidential election. Harris voted against certifying the electoral votes from Arizona and Pennsylvania. The House rejected both objections by a vote of 121-303 for Arizona and 138-282 for Pennsylvania.

Movie screening prevented on campus[edit]

In April 2009, Harris prevented the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) from holding an on-campus screening of the film Pirates II: Stagnetti's Revenge, which some called pornographic.^[113] The original version had a self-applied X-rating, but the film was later edited to qualify for an R-rating from the Motion Picture Association of America.^[114] As part of the showing in the student union, UMCP organizers planned to have a safe sex discussion with a representative from Planned Parenthood.^[113] Administration officials canceled the film after Harris threatened to cut the university's budget.

“	We can't be spending taxpayers' dollars for the screening of pornographic materials on campuses. That's not good policy.^[115]	”
—Andrew Harris^[116]

The board of regents refused Harris' request for the university to adopt a policy on obscene material.^[117] Lawmakers gave the university a December 1 deadline to come up with policies on showing obscene materials, but student representatives on the board voted down an adoption of such a policy.^[118]

“	The establishment of any policy would effectively say it is acceptable for state politicians to dictate that the university system fall in line with their political agendas. This is irresponsible and puts the system's 143,000 students at a severe disadvantage compared to their peer institutions.^[115]	”
—Steve Glickman and Sarah Elfreth^[119]

Two-year-old saved on highway[edit]

Harris, a medical doctor, was credited with helping to save the life of a two-year-old along the side of highway Route 50 on August 26, 2012.^[120]

Elections[edit]

2022[edit]

See also: Maryland's 1st Congressional District election, 2022

General election

The primary will occur on July 19, 2022. The general election will occur on November 8, 2022. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Maryland District 1

Dave Harden, Heather Mizeur, and Matt Talley are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Maryland District 1 on July 19, 2022.

		Candidate
		Dave Harden
		Heather Mizeur
		Matt Talley

	There are no incumbents in this race.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Mia Mason (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Maryland District 1

Incumbent Andrew Harris is running in the Republican primary for U.S. House Maryland District 1 on July 19, 2022.

		Candidate
		Andrew Harris

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
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2020[edit]

See also: Maryland's 1st Congressional District election, 2020

Maryland's 1st Congressional District election, 2020 (June 2 Republican primary)

Maryland's 1st Congressional District election, 2020 (June 2 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Maryland District 1

Incumbent Andrew Harris defeated Mia Mason in the general election for U.S. House Maryland District 1 on November 3, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Andrew Harris (R)	63.4	250,901
	Mia Mason (D)	36.4	143,877
	Other/Write-in votes	0.2	746

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 395,524
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Maryland District 1

Mia Mason defeated Allison Galbraith (Unofficially withdrew) and Jennifer Pingley in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Maryland District 1 on June 2, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Mia Mason	42.8	25,772
	Allison Galbraith (Unofficially withdrew)	37.2	22,386
	Jennifer Pingley	20.0	12,040

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 60,198
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Erik Lane (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Maryland District 1

Incumbent Andrew Harris defeated Jorge Delgado in the Republican primary for U.S. House Maryland District 1 on June 2, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Andrew Harris	81.6	72,265
	Jorge Delgado	18.4	16,281

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 88,546
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2018[edit]

See also: Maryland's 1st Congressional District election, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. House Maryland District 1

Incumbent Andrew Harris defeated Jesse Colvin and Jenica Martin in the general election for U.S. House Maryland District 1 on November 6, 2018.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Andrew Harris (R)	60.0	183,662
	Jesse Colvin (D)	38.1	116,631
	Jenica Martin (L)	1.9	5,744
	Other/Write-in votes	0.0	149

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 306,186 (100.00% precincts reporting)
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Maryland District 1

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Maryland District 1 on June 26, 2018.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Jesse Colvin	37.8	14,075
	Allison Galbraith	28.1	10,440
	Michael Brown	15.1	5,600
	Michael Pullen	13.0	4,819
	Steve Worton	3.9	1,442
	Erik Lane	2.2	815

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 37,191
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Maryland District 1

Incumbent Andrew Harris defeated Martin Elborn and Lamont Taylor in the Republican primary for U.S. House Maryland District 1 on June 26, 2018.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Andrew Harris	85.8	48,944
	Martin Elborn	9.8	5,606
	Lamont Taylor	4.4	2,496

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 57,046
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2016[edit]

See also: Maryland's 1st Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Republican. In Maryland's 1st Congressional District, incumbent Andrew Harris defeated challengers Joe Werner (D) and Matt Beers (L) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Harris defeated Jonathan Goff, Jr., Sean M. Jackson, and Mike Smigiel in the Republican primary, while Werner defeated Jim Ireton to win the Democratic nomination. The primary elections took place on April 26, 2016.^[121]^[122]

U.S. House, Maryland District 1 General Election, 2016
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Andy Harris Incumbent	67%	242,574
	Democratic	Joe Werner	28.6%	103,622
	Libertarian	Matt Beers	4.2%	15,370
	N/A	Write-in	0.1%	531
Total Votes				362,097
Source: Maryland State Board of Elections

U.S. House, Maryland District 1 Democratic Primary, 2016
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Joe Werner	51%	29,729
Jim Ireton	49%	28,547
Total Votes		58,276
Source: Maryland State Board of Elections

U.S. House, Maryland District 1 Republican Primary, 2016
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Andy Harris Incumbent	78.4%	79,497
Mike Smigiel	10.7%	10,897
Jonathan Goff	6%	6,135
Sean Jackson	4.8%	4,891
Total Votes		101,420
Source: Maryland State Board of Elections

2014[edit]

See also: Maryland's 1st Congressional District elections, 2014

He officially filed for re-election to the U.S. House in 2014 on January 8, 2014.^[123] He won the Republican nomination in the primary election on June 24, 2014.^[124]^[125]. The general election took place on November 4, 2014.

U.S. House, Maryland District 1 General Election, 2014
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Andy Harris Incumbent	70.5%	176,342
	Democratic	Bill Tilghman	29.5%	73,843
Total Votes				250,185
Source: Maryland Secretary of State Official Results

2012[edit]

See also: Maryland's 1st Congressional District elections, 2012

Harris won re-election in the 2012 election for the U.S. House, representing Maryland's 1st District.

Harris ran unopposed in the Republican primary on April 3, 2012. He defeated John LaFerla (D write-in), Michael Calpino (I), and Muir Boda (L) in the general election on November 6, 2012. Wendy Rosen was slated to appear as the Democratic candidate but she withdrew in September 2012, following allegations that she voted in two different states in 2006 and 2008. Her name still appeared on the ballot but all votes for her were counted for LaFerla.^[126]

Andrew Harris, "9/28/2012"^[127]

U.S. House, Maryland District 1 General Election, 2012
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Andy Harris Incumbent	63.4%	214,204
	Democratic	Wendy Rosen	27.5%	92,812
	Libertarian	Muir Boda	3.8%	12,857
	Democratic	John LaFerla (Write-in)	4.4%	14,858
	Independent	Michael Calpino (Write-in)	0%	71
	Independent	Douglas Dryden Rae (Write-in)	0%	26
	N/A	Other Write-ins	0.9%	2,932
Total Votes				337,760
Source: Maryland State Board of Elections "Representative in Congress"

To view more details about the 2012 election, click [show] to expand the section.

Campaign themes

2022

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Andrew Harris has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey. Ballotpedia is seeking 100 percent participation so voters can learn more about all the candidates on their ballots.

Who fills out Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey?

4,745 candidates completed the survey in 2020. This number represented 16.4% of all 29,002 candidates Ballotpedia covered in 2020. Out of the 4,745 respondents, 743 won their election. Candidates from all 50 states completed the survey. Noteworthy respondents included U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff and U.S. presidential candidate Jo Jorgensen. Read the 2020 report for more information about that year's respondents.

872 candidates completed the survey in 2019. This number represented 10.4% of all 8,386 candidates Ballotpedia covered in 2019. Out of the 872 respondents, 237 won their election. Candidates from 33 states completed the survey. Noteworthy respondents included Nashville Mayor John Cooper and Mississippi Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann. Read the 2019 report for more information about that year's respondents.

Help improve Ballotpedia - send us candidate contact info.

2012

The following policy positions were highlighted on Harris' campaign website.^[128]

Health Care: "I support replacing the President’s healthcare law with other common sense reform measures, like increasing competition between insurance companies by allowing competition across state lines, tax deductibility of 100% of medical costs, expanding health insurance savings accounts and other measures that allow you to be in control of your health care decisions."^[129]

Economy and Jobs: "I support a measure that will place a one-year moratorium on any further government regulations. I continue to fight back attempts to increase unnecessary regulatory burdens on business."^[129]

Energy: "Energy independence should be a priority in formulating American energy policy."^[129]

The Debt and Government Spending: "I cosponsored the Balanced Budget Amendment that would require the federal government to live within its means, just like you and I do... I also support the Paul Ryan budget plan that would eventually (although not as quickly as I’d like), pay off our debt and balance the budget in Washington D.C."^[129]

Education: "I am a strong proponent of parental choice to help give our children the best opportunities to succeed. As a member of the Maryland State Senate, I played an instrumental part in establishing charter schools in Maryland."^[129]

Immigration & the Dream Act: "In the Maryland Senate, I voted against the Dream Act, a policy that gives discounted and taxpayer subsidized in-state college tuition rates to students who are not here legally."^[129]

Full history[edit]

To view the full congressional electoral history for Andrew Harris, click [show] to expand the section.

2010

On November 2, 2010, Andy Harris won election to the United States House. He defeated Frank Kratovil, Jr (D), Richard James Davis (L) and write-in candidates in the general election.^[130]

U.S. House, Maryland District 1 General Election, 2010
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Andy Harris	54.1%	155,118
	Democratic	Frank Kratovil, Jr.	42%	120,400
	Libertarian	Richard James Davis	3.8%	10,876
	N/A	Write-in	0.1%	242
	N/A	Jack N. Wilson (Write-in)	0.1%	158
	N/A	Michael Kennedy (Write-in)	0%	18
Total Votes				286,812

2008

On November 4, 2008, Frank M. Kratovil, Jr. won election to the United States House. He defeated Andy Harris (R) and Richard James Davis (L) in the general election.^[131]

U.S. House, Maryland District 1 General Election, 2008
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Frank M. Kratovil, Jr.	49.1%	177,065
	Republican	Andy Harris	48.3%	174,213
	Libertarian	Richard James Davis	2.5%	8,873
	N/A	Write-in	0.1%	329
Total Votes				360,480

2006[edit]

On November 7, 2006, Harris ran for District 7 of the Maryland State Senate, beating Patricia Foerster.^[132]

Campaign themes[edit]

2022[edit]

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Andrew Harris has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey. Ballotpedia is seeking 100 percent participation so voters can learn more about all the candidates on their ballots.

Who fills out Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey?

4,745 candidates completed the survey in 2020. This number represented 16.4% of all 29,002 candidates Ballotpedia covered in 2020. Out of the 4,745 respondents, 743 won their election. Candidates from all 50 states completed the survey. Noteworthy respondents included U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff and U.S. presidential candidate Jo Jorgensen. Read the 2020 report for more information about that year's respondents.

872 candidates completed the survey in 2019. This number represented 10.4% of all 8,386 candidates Ballotpedia covered in 2019. Out of the 872 respondents, 237 won their election. Candidates from 33 states completed the survey. Noteworthy respondents included Nashville Mayor John Cooper and Mississippi Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann. Read the 2019 report for more information about that year's respondents.

Help improve Ballotpedia - send us candidate contact info.