Andy Harris

Mr. HARRIS of Maryland

Mr. HARRIS of Maryland. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Poplar Hill Mansion in honor of their upcoming 50th anniversary on August 25, 2025. The Poplar Hill Mansion is the oldest home in Salisbury, Maryland. As an historic house museum, the Poplar Hill Mansion has served our community through its historic preservation efforts, educational opportunities, and charitable works. As the representative of Maryland's Eastern Shore, it is my distinct honor to congratulate the Poplar Hill Mansion and wish it the best of luck as it works for another prosperous 50 years.

Mr. HARRIS of Maryland

Mr. HARRIS of Maryland. Mr. Speaker, this week, the Energy and Commerce Committee finally attacked fraud, waste, and abuse in the Medicaid system. I think every American knows that when government runs a program, there is fraud, waste, and abuse, and that is exactly what the Committee dealt with. For instance, 1 million people have committed fraud against the Medicaid system by being enrolled in two States. My colleagues across the aisle think it is a bad idea to eliminate that fraud, waste, and abuse because they all voted against it. This chart shows what actually happens when you eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse, and the Republicans increase spending in Medicaid by 25 percent over the next 10 years for the people who really need it: the pregnant women, the children, the disabled, the blind, the elderly, and we did it eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse.

Mr. HARRIS of Maryland

Mr. HARRIS of Maryland. Mr. Speaker, I am sure what you are going to hear on the floor today is what you have heard in the past, these rumors that somehow those mean, nasty Republicans are going to cut Medicaid. It reminds me of what Groucho Marx once said: Who you going to believe, these claims or your lying eyes? This is the graph of what the Republican plan is for Medicaid spending over the next 10 years. This assumes that we actually get all the able-bodied, single people without children on Medicaid to agree to work 20 hours a week or volunteer at a church or train. It doesn't seem like too much. The average American thinks that is pretty reasonable. If we eliminate all the fraud, waste, and abuse--and there is plenty of it--we are left with at least a 25 percent increase in Medicaid over the next 10 years from the current spending level. Only in Washington could anyone claim that is a cut. Mr. Speaker, who are you going to believe, the claims or your lying eyes?

Mr. HARRIS of Maryland

Mr. HARRIS of Maryland. Mr. Speaker, a lot of times on this floor and in the press you hear about how the Republicans somehow are cutting Medicaid or slashing Medicaid, but the facts are that in the Republican budget resolution, we increase Medicaid expenditures by at least 25 percent over the next 10 years. Yes, we will fight fraud, waste, and abuse. We think the American people agree that fraud, waste, and abuse robs the Medicaid system from covering the people like the disabled, the elderly, pregnant women, and children. It robs money from those programs and wastes it. Even after we eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse, we have enough to increase Medicaid expenditures by at least 25 percent over the next 10 years. Those are the facts. There is no cutting going on. There is no slashing. There is elimination of fraud, waste, and abuse, and it is about time that happened to the U.S. Government bureaucracy, not only in Medicaid, but across the government.

Mr. HARRIS of Maryland

Mr. HARRIS of Maryland. Mr. Speaker, you just heard right here on the floor that those mean Republicans are cutting Medicaid. Let's set the record straight. As this graph shows, the Republican instructions don't cut Medicaid, they increase Medicaid by 25 percent over the next 10 years. Even with common core math--I know it is popular on that side of the aisle--you can see that Medicaid expenditures of the Federal Government go up over the next 10 years with the Republican plan, even after eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse, which a clear majority of Americans agree we should eliminate across the Federal Government. We spend $656 billion in fiscal year 2025 and, again, it goes up by 25 percent over the next 10 years. It is not only that, but Medicaid payments in some States' providers could be two to three times the payment for Medicare to healthy, able-bodied young adults. That should scare each and every senior that we are spending more for medical care for healthy, able-bodied young adults than for our seniors. If you repeat a lie long enough, it becomes a truth, but this is a fact. Mr. Speaker, Republicans are protecting and preserving Medicaid for the truly needy.

Mr. HARRIS of Maryland

Mr. HARRIS of Maryland. Mr. Speaker, the United States has $36 trillion in Federal debt. Our debt-to-GDP ratio is greater than Greece and Italy when they had their debt crisis, and we are incurring a deficit of $2 trillion a year. The most rapidly growing part of the Federal budget is Medicaid. You will have people come to the floor and they will talk about Medicaid cuts, but Mr. Speaker, only in Washington is a slight decrease in the increase in a program called a cut or slashing because that is not the way anybody's budget works at home, but that is the way it works in Washington. The Medicaid budget has increased 40 percent over the last 5 years and is out of control. We have to control the growth in it to preserve it for the future. A little known fact is that in many States, providers are paid more to take care of a Medicaid patient than a Medicare patient. That ought to scare every senior in this country when Medicare is going to be crowded out by an out-of-control Medicaid budget.

Mr. HARRIS of Maryland

Mr. HARRIS of Maryland. Mr. Speaker, it was with great sadness that I learned about the passing of Russell E. Wroten of East New Market, Maryland. Russell E. Wroten served as Chief of Police for the City of Cambridge from 1971 until he retired in 2001. His years of service were marked by bravery and dedication, and his accolades include the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal, Wounded Combat Medal, an Exceptional Service Award, and Governor's Citations. Russell was well respected for his unwavering commitment to his officers and community. In 2024, Mr. Wroten was honored with being the first recipient to be inducted into the Cambridge Police Department Hall of Fame. Chief Wroten passed away at the age of 84 years old on Monday, April 14, 2025, in Easton, Maryland. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Regina Wroten of East New Market; their daughter, Christina (Chrissy) and son-in-law, Tom Thompson of Cambridge; granddaughter, Savana (Jon) Linthicum of Rhodesdale; very special great-granddaughter, Arya; and several nephews and a niece. Besides his parents, Mr. Wroten is preceded in death by his brothers; Matthew and George Wroten. The Eastern Shore is forever grateful for Chief Wroten's commitment to service and his dedication to Maryland.

Mr. HARRIS of Maryland

Mr. HARRIS of Maryland. Mr. Speaker, the average American already thinks that you actually have to be a U.S. citizen to vote in a Federal election. The fact of the matter is that our laws have loopholes. You don't actually have to be a U.S. citizen in some States or don't have to prove that you are a U.S. citizen to vote. Now, the straw man is presented that if you get married, you change your name. I suggest that anyone who feels that just read the bill. It says an accommodation has to be made in every State for people whose name changed from an otherwise valid proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate. The bottom line is that Americans expect that only American citizens, and not the 12 million illegal aliens who entered under the last administration, are going to be voting in Federal elections. Americans expect it, and they expect Congress to do something about it. Mr. Speaker, I urge Congress to take action and pass the SAVE Act.

Mr. HARRIS of Maryland

Mr. HARRIS of Maryland. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize the Cambridge-South Dorchester Vikings Boys' Basketball Team on becoming the Maryland 1A State Champions for the 2024-2025 season. On March 14, 2025, the Vikings secured a thrilling 36-33 overtime victory against The SEED School at the University of Maryland's Xfinity Center, marking their first state title since 1996. The Vikings demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout their championship run, finishing the season with an impressive 26-2 overall record. Their path to the championship included hard-fought victories over Pocomoke, Snow Hill, and Fort Hill in the playoffs. In the state final, senior guard Sterling Perkins made the game- winning shot with just 0.4 seconds left in overtime. Koby Ennals led the team with 16 points, while Perkins contributed 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals. Head Coach Sean Tucker's leadership was instrumental in guiding the team to this historic achievement. His message to the team going into overtime: All you have to do is win by one, exemplifies the Vikings' grit and determination. This championship is not just a victory for the team, but for the entire Cambridge-South Dorchester community. It serves as an inspiration to future generations of student-athletes and showcases the power of perseverance and teamwork. Mr. Speaker, I applaud the CSD Vikings Boys' Basketball Team for their outstanding accomplishment. Their dedication, sportsmanship, and resilience in capturing the Maryland 1A State Championship have brought pride to their school, their families, and the entire Eastern Shore of Maryland. I thank them for making us proud.

Mr. HARRIS of Maryland

Mr. HARRIS of Maryland. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Emergency Border Control Resolution to kick-start the resolution process. As we stand here today, negotiations have stalled in the House. We all know this. We are at a crossroads in this reconciliation process, and it is time for the House and Senate to quickly pass a border funding bill with a debt ceiling increase so President Trump can deliver on his promises to the American people and reassure the financial markets. The legislation I just introduced is a budget that contains $200 billion in new funding for President Trump to secure our southern border, fund immigration enforcement, and rebuild America's defenses. This increased spending is paired with $486 billion in cuts to Biden's failed and wasteful spending. These cuts will result in a $286 billion real deficit reduction over 10 years. The Emergency Border Control Resolution is the first step in the Freedom Caucus' 218 strategy to successfully implement the President's America First agenda.

Mr. HARRIS

Mr. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, this past Friday I learned with great sadness about the passing of Senator Richard Colburn, a dedicated public servant and an Eastern Shore patriot who devoted his life to the service and betterment of the people of the State of Maryland. Senator Colburn and I served together in the Maryland State Senate. He arrived to the Maryland General Assembly first as a State Delegate about sixteen years prior to my being elected to the Maryland Senate in 1999. By that time, Rich Colburn had already been serving as a State Senator for four years. He quickly became my mentor, dear colleague, and a trusted friend. For a period, Rich and I served on the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee. As a devoted Eastern Shoreman and a son of a waterman, Senator Colburn knew how crucial it is for the government to be accountable, transparent, honest, and helpful to its citizens. As such, he made constituent casework and assisting his fellow Marylanders his top priroity. As a ``Shore Senator,'' Rich fought on behalf of his constituents with fervor and purpose. During his time in the legislature, he introduced hundreds of bills, at times reaching across the aisle to promote projects and priorities he believed would benefit the Shore. One of his greatest accomplishments was the multi-decade battle led to his securing over $60 million to replace the Dover Bridge; a vital artery connecting Southern Caroline and Talbot Counties on the Eastern Shore. The bridge finally opened in 2018 with great fanfare. Among his many other accomplishments was his success in the preservation of the Easton hospital, widening U.S. Route 50, increasing benefits for veterans and law enforcement, and obtaining funding for restoration of the Chesapeake Bay's oyster population. He advocated for businesses and tourism on the Shore to lift and support the local economy by helping provide funding for the Choptank River Lighthouse and bringing in the Hyatt hotel to Cambridge, among others. Richard Franklin Colburn was born on February 9, 1950 and grew up in Oxford, Maryland. After graduating from the Easton High School, Rich served in the United States Army Security Agency posted in Germany during the height of the Cold War. He left after three years with the Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant. After his return to Maryland, he worked in private practice. He was elected to the House of Delegates in 1983, where he served until 1991 before he ascended to the State Senate in 1995. Senator Colburn became the longest serving Republican Senator in the Senate. After his service in elected office, he served as Special Assistant to Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder under Governor Larry Hogan. His district included the counties of Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot and Wicomico. Senator Richard Colburn passed away suddenly on Friday, December 27, 2024, in Easton at the age of 74 years old. I would like to express my sincere condolences to his loving wife Alma, daughter Johanna Hamilton (Bobby), granddaughter Saylor and sister Marie, as well as the entire extended Colburn family and friends. The Eastern Shore is forever grateful for Senator Colburn's commitment to service and his dedication to Maryland.

Mr. HARRIS

Mr. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 479.

Mr. HARRIS

Mr. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I rose to vacate the order of the House of November 5 because, having reviewed the Speaker's announced policies, the decision in the Chair should have been to not entertain the motion to table on that day.

Mr. HARRIS

Mr. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the order of the House of November 5, 2024, regarding H.R. 82 be vacated.

Mr. HARRIS

Mr. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege and honor to recognize Chief Ross C. Buzzuro of the Ocean City Police Department as he retires after 40 years of outstanding public service. Chief Buzzuro led the Ocean City Police Department for over 11 years with purpose and dedication. As Chief, he oversaw nearly 100 full-time officers, around 20 civilian employees and additional seasonal and part-time employees. Throughout his nearly 40 years of law enforcement career, Chief Buzzuro served as a police cadet in Baltimore City in 1985 and eventually achieved the ranks of lieutenant, deputy major, major and finally being named lieutenant colonel in 2007. Chief Buzzuro is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Academy and the University of Maryland's Fire & Rescue Institute. He obtained his bachelor's and master's degrees in management from John Hopkins University. I would like to thank Chief Buzzuro for his decades of service to the people of Maryland and for his work and dedication to the citizens and visitors of Ocean City. As he enters his well-deserved retirement and steps down from his position, I wish Chief Buzzuro a happy, healthy and exciting retirement spent around family and friends.

Mr. HARRIS

Mr. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege and honor to recognize Mr. Giuseppe Anoia as he approaches his 90th birthday this November. Born November 19, 1934, Mr. Anoia has been a constituent of Maryland's First Congressional District since he immigrated to the United States from Italy in 1961. He received a degree in civil engineering from Johns Hopkins University in 1970 and worked for Baltimore City for 17 years until his retirement in 2000. Mr. Anoia has been happily married to Phillis, nee D'Adamo, for over 32 years. It is a distinct privilege to recognize Mr. Anoia on his upcoming 90th birthday and celebrate this wonderful milestone. On behalf of Maryland's First Congressional District, I wish Mr. Anoia a very happy birthday.

Mr. HARRIS

Mr. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor and celebrate Mr. William Robertson Wainwright of Salisbury, Maryland as he approaches his 100th birthday on November 21st. Born in 1924, Mr. Wainwright honorably served in the United States Army during World War II from 1943 until 1946. It is a distinct privilege to recognize Mr. Wainwright on his upcoming 100th birthday and celebrate this wonderful milestone. On behalf of Maryland's First Congressional District, I wish Mr. Wainwright a very happy birthday.

Mr. HARRIS

Mr. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize all who contribute to Education in anticipation of National Education Week 2024. American Education Week started as an effort to better generate public support for education as a joint effort between the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Legion. Concerned with as much as 25 percent of World War I draftees being illiterate, the two organizations sought to shine a national light on the need to increase support for education. 103 years later, educators around the country continue this advocacy which I am proud to support. Maryland's First Congressional district has over 200 schools at all levels of our education system, all of which with a dedicated team of teachers and support staff committed to bringing out the best in our next generation. As we celebrate the upcoming 103rd National Education week between November 18th through November 22nd, let us all take a moment to express our gratitude for their service to our communities.

Mr. HARRIS

Mr. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to recognize Deputy Charles Hugh Bean as he retires after 11 years of service with the Worcester County Sheriff's Office. Deputy Bean's career has been one of dedication, sacrifice and honor to his community and residents of Worcester County. As Deputy Bean embarks on this new chapter in his life. I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for his service. On behalf of the residents of Maryland's First Congressional District, I wish Deputy Bean a happy, healthy and exciting retirement spent around family and friends.

Mr. HARRIS

Mr. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following Proclamation in honor of the 100th year anniversary of Abrams Memorial Church in Denton, Maryland. Whereas, the Abrams Memorial Church was established in 1924 as the Kings Apostle Holy Temple Holiness Church of Good by Mother Carrie Virginia Curry and; Whereas, it has served God with passion and commitment throughout its existence and; Whereas, it has served the local community in Denton and the surrounding area and; Whereas, on October 19, 2024 the church is commemorating its 100th year anniversary; Now, Therefore, I, Andy Harris, Member of Congress, do hereby proclaim and celebrate Abrams Memorial Church in Denton, Maryland on its 100th anniversary.

Mr. HARRIS

Mr. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Mushroom House Automotive, a veteran and family-owned business out of Colora, Cecil County, Maryland, as it approaches its 30th anniversary on October 1, 2024. Originally a mushroom farm operated by the Webb family for over 40 years, the business transitioned into an automotive repair and sales center after being pushed out of the industry. In 2006, Mushroom House survived a devastating fire that destroyed the shop and several classic cars. It was rebuilt and reopened only with the support and dedication of the local community. Today, Mushroom House Automotive continues to serve Cecil County and provide top-notch, honest automotive services under the leadership of Victor ``Butch'' Webb Sr., his son Steven Webb and with the expertise of Archie Singleton II. Together, they have raised over $300,000 through their vehicle donation program for various non-profit organizations and consistently support the community, including participating in Career Day at Rising Sun Middle School and the CCPS Summer Work Program, where they pair students with local businesses. Mushroom House Automotive also partners with the Cecil County School of Technology's Automotive program to teach and support the next generation of mechanics and car enthusiasts. In the last three years, Mushroom House Automotive has placed in the top three of Cecil Whig's Community Choice in Automotive Salesperson-- Used Cars, Auto Repair, Oil Change, Pre-Owned Vehicle Sales and Tires. In addition, Steven Webb and Archie Singleton II were honored as business leaders and inducted into the National Technical Honor Society, a recognition spearheaded by Scott Coutu, the Automotive Technology instructor at the Cecil County School of Technology. I am proud and grateful to Mushroom House Automotive for its continued service of over 30 years to the community. Small, family- owned businesses like these constitute the backbone of American economy and provide essential services to local communities.

Mr. HARRIS

Mr. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following Proclamation in honor of the 50th anniversary of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore class of 1974. Whereas, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore was established in 1886 as the Delaware Conference Academy and renamed several times since; and Whereas, between 1948 and 1970 it was known as the Maryland State College; and Whereas, in July of 1970 it was renamed to its current name as the University of Maryland Eastern Shore; and Whereas, the class of 1974 was and is the first class to graduate under its new name; and Whereas, on its 30th anniversary class reunion, the class of 1974 resolved to raise $1,000,000 to be donated and contributed to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and has since raised and donated $650,000 which constitutes three-fourths of the resolved amount. Now, therefore, I, Andy Harris, Member of Congress, do hereby proclaim and celebrate the class of 1974 of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore on its 50th reunion anniversary.

Mr. HARRIS

Mr. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and privilege today to recognize Chapel Hill Elementary School in Perry Hall, Maryland for being selected as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2024 by the U.S. Department of Education. The National Blue Ribbon School award validates and celebrates the hard work of students, educators and families, among others, that strive everyday to achieve exemplary academic excellence. A National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing a school's entryway or on a flagpole, is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. Chapel Hill Elementary has been selected as part of a small group of 356 public and private schools across the United States as a result of their hard work and dedication to its students. I congratulate Principal Nancy Hill, the wonderful teachers, educators and staff, as well as the dedicated students and families at Chapel Hill Elementary for this great achievement.

Mr. HARRIS

Mr. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following Proclamation in honor of the 240th anniversary of the historic Wheatley Methodist Church building in Rhodesdale, Maryland, the completion of its five-year preservation project between 2019 and 2024 and the church being established as an independent legal entity known as Wheatley Methodist Church, effective November 1, 2023. Whereas, Wheatley Methodist Church (WMC) was erected in 1784 on land King George II granted to a William Wheatley, during the eighteenth century. It was built with intent to be a ``preaching house served by clergy of those people called Methodist or a friendly clergy of the Church of England'' and Whereas, this heavy old growth timber frame structure secured with wrought nails has existed since one year following the victorious American Revolution in October 1783 and five years prior to George Washington becoming the first elected American president; and Whereas, most Early American rural church buildings were either demolished or abandoned and left no decay. The Wheatley Methodist Church building has existed for 240 years continuously serving its original intent; and Whereas, in 2019 existing colonial era horizontal wood plank interior wall covering was discovered underneath presenting Victorian era pressed tin. Further search revealed serious construction issues causing the building be condemned. Members' faith directed a decision to preserve the historic structure; and Whereas, the five-year preservation project (2019-2024) quickly became the pride of surrounding communities. Financing for the $110,000+ project materialized from donations of monies, time, materials, multiple fund raisers, and two matching grants awarded by: the Bartus Trew Providence Preservation Fund of the National Trust for Historic Preservation ($15,000) and the Choptank Electric Trust, Inc. ($2,400); and Whereas, the Wheatley Methodist Church is believed to be the oldest American Methodist church with a continuously active congregation worshiping in its original building erected to be a Methodist church and the historic structure continues serving its original intent well into the 21st century. It is a tangible link to its Early American heritage of religious family life in an agricultural community. Now, therefore, I, Andy Harris, Member of Congress, do hereby proclaim and celebrate Wheatley Methodist Church on its historic building's 240th anniversary, the completion of its five-year preservation project and the church being established as an independent legal entity known as Wheatley Methodist Church, effective November 1, 2023.

Mr. HARRIS

Mr. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, last week, I was sad to learn about the passing of retired Deputy Sheriff Robert T. Wilson of the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office. Deputy Wilson dedicated his life serving his community and country. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Bob served at the Eastern Correctional Institute before retiring from the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office in June of 2021. Deputy Wilson dedicated his life to helping others, putting his own life on the line to protect and serve the community he so much loved. A devoted member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Bob believed in service, sacrifice and honor. Robert T. Wilson passed away at the age of 71 years old. I would like to express my sincere condolences to his wife Esther, the Wilson family and the entire Wicomico County Sheriff's Office. The Eastern Shore is forever grateful for DFC Robert T. Wilson.