Harford News

Rep. Andy Harris, MD, a member of the U.S. Congress representing Maryland's 1st district since 2011, has recently shared his views on research funding and sports policy via social media. Harris, who succeeded Frank Kratovil in Congress and previously served in the Maryland Senate from 1999 to 2011, expressed his opinions on various topics through a series of tweets.

On February 8, 2025, Rep. Harris questioned the allocation of research grant funds by stating: "Flashback: Why should the American taxpayer pay more in 'indirect costs' for research grants than private companies, nonprofits, and universities? I’ve asked this question for years in hearings on Capitol Hill." He commended @DOGE for their work related to this issue.

Later that day, he addressed misconceptions regarding federal funding for biomedical research under the Trump administration. He stated: "This is a grossly misleading article. The Trump administration did not cut funding for biomedical research. Funding excessive 'indirect costs' is not the same as funding the research itself. For years, the American taxpayer has paid 50-60% of 'indirect costs' for research…"

On February 9, 2025, Rep. Harris commented on sports policies concerning gender inclusion after meeting Riley Gaines. He tweeted: "Had the privilege of seeing Riley Gaines again - a champion of keeping men out of women’s sports. Too bad the Maryland General Assembly killed Delegate Kathy Szeliga’s effort to keep that craziness out of Maryland high schools and middle schools."