Rep. Andy Harris, who represents Maryland’s 1st district in the U.S. Congress, used his social media account on October 31, 2025, to criticize Democratic lawmakers over their approach to funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during a government shutdown.
In a post published at 13:03 UTC, Harris stated, “Democrats insisting on USDA using the contingency fund would only get SNAP participants a partial benefit vs voting yes to give everyone their full benefit. Why do they want to only allow someone to have half the amount when they alone can provide the full amount? Crazy.”
Later that day at 15:35 UTC, he continued his criticism by singling out Senator Chris Van Hollen and accusing Democrats of jeopardizing government operations and food assistance programs. Harris wrote, “Chris Van Hollen has voted time and time again to shut down the government and the SNAP program. If the Democrats want SNAP to continue past November 1st, the solution is easy – stop grandstanding and just vote to reopen the government.”
At 17:42 UTC on October 31, Harris further argued that legal limitations prevent contingency funds from fully supporting SNAP recipients for an extended period. He posted, “The Democrats should read the law. Contingency SNAP funds cannot be used to replace regular SNAP funds, and, even if they could, it would only be enough to cover two weeks. If the Democrats want SNAP to continue, they should vote to reopen the government NOW.”
SNAP is a federal program providing nutrition benefits for low-income individuals and families in need across the United States. Government shutdowns can disrupt funding for such programs unless Congress passes appropriations bills or temporary funding measures.
Andy Harris has served in Congress since 2011 after succeeding Frank Kratovil and previously held positions in both chambers of Maryland’s state legislature from 1999 through 2011. Born in New York City in 1957 and currently residing in Cambridge, Harris earned his undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1977.
