Harford News

Congressman Andy Harris, who represents Maryland’s 1st district in the U.S. House of Representatives, has published an op-ed outlining his support for the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) and addressing what he describes as misleading media coverage.

"Marylanders deserve the truth about the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) — and they’re not getting it from the mainstream media. Much of the coverage has been filled with spin, fearmongering and outright falsehoods about what this bill does and doesn’t do. Let’s set the record straight.

First, I was initially hesitant to support this bill — and for good reason. As a fiscal conservative, I raised concerns about its potential to add to the deficit. Those concerns were not just for show; I withheld support to ensure Maryland taxpayers wouldn’t be saddled with more Washington debt.

Because conservatives pushed back, major changes were secured before the final vote. Among the wins:

Stronger Medicaid integrity provisions were included to stop states from improperly paying benefits — including to illegal immigrants — while protecting care for truly needy Marylanders.

Green New Scam rollbacks, ensuring Maryland families and businesses aren’t burdened with radical energy mandates that drive up costs. This is especially essential as offshore wind adversely affects watermen, communities, and constituents in my district.

Strengthening work requirements: The One Big Beautiful Bill strengthens common-sense work requirements for able-bodied adults receiving federal government assistance on the taxpayer dime — an important step toward restoring the dignity of work and ensuring taxpayer dollars aren’t used for those who choose not to work."

Harris has served in Congress since 2011 after replacing Frank Kratovil. He previously served in both chambers of Maryland's state legislature between 1999 and 2011. More background information on Harris can be found at https://harris.house.gov/about/full-biography.

Born in New York City in 1957, Harris now resides in Cambridge. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1977.

The full text of Harris’s op-ed is available online.