MD Rep. Andy Harris Named Chair Of Key Appropriations Subcommittee

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Rep. Andy Harris (MD-01) has been appointed chairman of the House Appropriations Committee's Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and related agencies subcommittee.

The 65-year-old congressman represents Maryland’s 1st Congressional District covering Harford County and the Eastern Shore. Harris has served on the appropriations committee since 2013 and has served on this subcommittee since 2015.

"It is an honor to be named chairman of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and related agencies subcommittee. Agriculture is both a critical sector in our country’s economy and the economic backbone of Maryland's First Congressional District," Harris said in a statement. "Additionally, as a physician, I am excited for the opportunity to work with the FDA to ensure the safety and efficacy of the latest developments in drug and medical device research, as well as food safety. I look forward to the important work we will do in the coming months as we address the many issues in this subcommittee’s jurisdiction.”

According to Open Secrets, a nonprofit political watchdog organization, the appropriations committee (and its relevant subcommittees) is the third most important House committee, behind the Ways and Means committee and Energy and Commerce committee.

Harris is a member of the House Freedom Caucus, the House’s farthest-right voting bloc. He joined with the 20 Republicans who refused to give McCarthy their support during voting for the House speakership. Harris flipped to McCarthy on his 13th vote, with the California congressman securing enough support after 15 votes.