I watched Dr. Andy “Handgun” Harris at work last week. There he was, on national TV no less, hovering next to Representatives Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and Lauren Boebert (R-CO), waiting for his chance to vote against Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker. I am not sure that Dr. Harris was waiting for Gaetz or Ms. Boebert to tell him how to vote, but it looked that way.
Harris cast his vote for candidates other than McCarthy for three days. On the fourth and final day, he switched. He told WBOC his votes against a McCarthy Speakership were part of an effort to win changes to House Rules that will empower House members to better represent their constituents. These rules include allowing a single House member to file a motion to “vacate” the House Speaker, put more Freedom Caucus members on the Rules Committee, and to create a new committee on the “Weaponization” of federal agencies by the Executive Branch.
The rules changes were part of the package of demands put forth by Mr. Gaetz and a group of 19 other right-wing Republicans. The group, who I call the “detractors,” won the day. While they ultimately allowed McCarthy to win the Speakership, the rules changes effectively eliminate McCarthy’s ability to prevent a group of roughly 50 right-wingers from hijacking Congress.
More simply put, Harris and his right-wing colleagues have been empowered to slow down or block the workings of Congress. Unless they get what they want, they can bring Congressional deliberations to a halt.
With the battle won, our Congressman Harris, always good at staying out of the limelight, left the rebellion, telling TV station WBOC, “These three days were well worth debating this both in public and in private so that we could come to a place where the American people can truly feel like someone can represent them in Congress.”
Harris’ statement is highly offensive and in direct contradiction with the rules changes that he and his fellow right-wingers won. The concessions that the detractors won make the House of Representatives a place where people not supporting the MAGA right-wing agenda will not feel like someone can represent them in Congress. Rather, they will feel that the House of Representatives has been hijacked by extremists indifferent to their needs or desires.
The Freedom Caucus will now effectively control the Rules Committee. Not only will it have a number of seats on the committee disproportionate to their membership in Congress, but the House Rules also have been changed to allow individual members to offer amendments to appropriations bills. Another rules change would prohibit the rules committee from amalgamating some or all of the 12 appropriations bills to allow them to move to enactment more efficiently.
The Freedom Caucus now will be able to block or force reductions in funding for agencies it does not like. Presumably, this includes the FBI (one of the agencies Republicans claim has been “weaponized” by the Federal government), the IRS, the Consumer Finance Protection Agency, and others. The Republican-controlled House passed a bill reducing IRS funding by $71 billion on Monday. The bill rescinds funding approved by Congress to modernize the IRS and increase enforcement last year. A good bill? No. The independent Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill would increase the budget deficit by over $100 billion because the IRS will be less effective in catching tax cheats.
The new power also includes the ability to reduce the salary of specific federal employees. It remains to be seen how this provision would work, but could House Republicans force a reduction in salary of prosecutors investigating the January 6 insurrection or preparing to indict individual House members for their complicity in the events of January 6? Time will tell.
Curiously, while Handgun Harris did speak to some Maryland media, there is nothing on his website about what he was up to in Washington last week. Harris’ official website also does not mention that he is a member of the increasingly infamous Freedom Caucus. What is going on here? Anesthesiologists know not to disturb a patient while under anesthesia. Has Harris convinced himself that the First District, like one of Harris’ medical patients, is oblivious to his pursuit of a radical right-wing agenda? It looks that way.
In coming weeks, the impact of the concessions McCarthy made to win the Speakership will become apparent. Experts now worry about whether the Congress will be able to raise the debt limit, provide emergency funding in the event of natural disasters, continue to supply military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, and address other pressing needs. The Biden agenda is now in the ICU, put there with the help of Dr. Harris.
I particularly worry about the committee on the “Weaponization” of federal agencies. This is expected to be a “revenge” committee with an agenda focused on discrediting President Biden and his administration. The Committee is expected to set its agenda with the help of visionaries the likes of Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene. Expect some of the agenda to correspond to the conspiracies put forward by “Q.” Is Harris campaigning for a seat on the committee? Do not expect him to tell us. Or maybe he is waiting for instructions from Trump.
The House of Representatives has moved one big step forward towards ceasing to function. That, come to think of it, is one of the reasons Harris thinks he is in Congress. He does not see himself as part of the government, or as a representative charged with making Washington address the many needs of the Eastern Shore. Rather, he sees himself as part of a wrecking crew, inspired and directed by Donald Trump, to undermine government wherever possible.
The First District would not have re-elected Harris if his agenda were better understood. That is why Harris owes his constituents an explanation for what the hell he was doing in Washington last week.
J.E. Dean is a retired attorney and public affairs consultant writing on politics, government, and other subjects
Francine De Sanctis says
What more is there to say?
We are stuck with “handgun Harris” until the next redistricting happens in about 10 years…yuk!
John Dean says
Thank you for reading the piece. My hope is that as more becomes known about Harris’ role in the January 6 insurrection, First District voters will reject him in 2024. The DOJ may yet decide to indict the attendees at the December 2021 meeting where setting aside the election was discussed. Harris was there. I also hope that Democrats will run a strong candidate against him, as they did in 2022.
Deirdre LaMotte says
I do not believe for one minute that his voters will reject him. Everything this man has not done, such
as Represent this District, is ok with them because he plays the culture war. That is his appeal to his
tribe.
Matt LaMotte says
I have a feeling we’ll be asking ourselves the same question for the next two years!
John Dean says
I hope not! Thank you for reading the piece.
Michael Estrella says
Andy “Dr. NO” Harris continues to be an embarrassment to almost all of us living in congressional district 1 of Maryland. I say “almost all” because I do come across the occasional social media post that praises him for his service to the district.
These occasional posting always amaze me because I have read and continue to review his voting record in congress. I feel confident that there is no other person in that body that vote AGAINST bills as much as Andy does. His recent record shows he voted against medals for Capitol Police Officers and against burn pit health benefits for vets while simultaneously claiming his is pro vets and pro police! Andy seems to lie as much as his new buddy George Santos.
We deserve better than Harris and one of these days we will get it!
Michael Estrella
John Dean says
Special thanks for this comment. The more that is known about Harris’ activities in Washington, the greater the chance of voting him out. You are absolutely right–the First District deserves better representation.
Lyn Banghart says
Thank you!
Bob Kopec says
Well done Mr. Harris – NOT!
James Wilson says
I feel obliged to repeat a comment I made about another Spy story. A fellow House member said of the ‘detractors’ ” I wouldn’t piss on them if they were on fire.” This article reflects that opinion quite well.
John Dean says
Thank you.
John Fischer says
Another “Johnny One Note” piece from Mr. Dean. Those seeking a serious assessment on the issues in play during the recent election of the Speaker, can read Mr. Sikes’ piece above.
John Dean says
I’m sorry you did not like the piece. Rather than argue with you, please know that I also recommend Mr. Sikes’ piece.
William Keppen says
“The First District would not have re-elected Harris if his agenda were better understood.” I wonder about that.
John Dean says
You may be right, but I continue to believe there is a basic decency to the voters of the First District that would prompt them to reject a member that supported an insurrection.
Thank you for reading the piece and for commenting.
Angeline Sturgis says
My husband and I were shocked a few weeks ago when Volodymyr Zelenskyy was welcomed to a joint session of Congress and several GOP lawmakers refused to attend, and many in attendance behaved disrespectfully on live television. I phoned Andy Harris’s office in Kent Island to ask if he participated in this historic event, and was quickly told that “Dr. Harris doesn’t divulge his participation at events, so I’m not permitted to answer your question.” I couldn’t believe it. In fact we were furious. We phoned Harris’s DC office and the same person answered, annoyed because he had just spoken to us! Not able to accept this blatant refusal to be transparent, I phoned Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick’s office (R-PA) because we used to live in his district. We were told yes, of course Mr Fitzpatrick was there, and yes, of course constituents may know their Representative’s attendance and vote on any matter in Congress. Note that Brian Fitzpatrick is also a Republican.
I urge you all to call Harris’s office the next time there is a vote or an important session in Congress, and ask about his participation. It is our right, after all, and although he states otherwise, it is his duty. We must do all we can to publicize his toxicity with a view to having fair representation in Congress.
John Dean says
Thank you for sharing your experience with Dr. Harris’ office. No surprise.
Wilson Dean says
Thank you JE Dean for highlighting Handgun Harris’ actions that are not only an embarrassment to our First District but an affront to our democracy. His determination to oppose the positive things our federal government can do for all its citizens helps create the pathway to authoritarianism the MAGA extremists so desperately seek l
John Dean says
Thank you for reading the piece.
L Baker says
As you know Mr Dean, I do not agree with your commentary as usual.
You state there will be 50 right wingers high jacking Congress with the new changes. Congress has already been hijacked the last 40-50 years, so if that’s what you want to call it, take a look back. Look at them! Many in office for 30 years or more. How does that happen when our country is failing more each year. Please tell me.
You’re “offended” by Harris saying he wants the American people to feel like someone represents them in Congress? I’m offended by the antics of Nancy Pelosi over the years! Especially, stating “we have to pass the bill before we can read it”(??)! The ACA ACT. Forget what may be in the bill (AND THERE WAS A LOT!). I was very disturbed by that undertaking and the day I woke up to the antics of this sham of a government. I have much to say on your statements about the Federal budget, but will just leave it at this. The budget is bloated as it is, we need to ask where all the money went, not give them more. Just look at our infrastructure for one. Maybe Iran, Pakistan, and definitely Ukraine! Billions, Billions!! What about taking care of the American citizen first? Our Veterans, our homeless? Thus the MAGA movement in our country right now.
Your term, “Revenge Committee “. How can they discredit Biden if he has done nothing wrong? Ohhh, wait a minute, you mean because of all the FALSE accusations by Pelosi, Schiff, and others regarding Trump. I believe Hillary was behind the false Russian dossier, at least that’s what is being investigated.
You use the words “undermine government”. I for one believe our government has needed an overhaul for decades. I’m ready for change and evidently constituents who voted for Harris and these other Congressmen making government more transparent are also. We are not on the same page, as usual. I wish you well.
Charles Bohn says
Interesting piece. I don’t agree with many of your points. Saying that, your using derogatory phrases like “Handgun Harris”
really does not help your case.
Mickey Terrone says
Hello John. I appreciate your perspectives and agree with your views on the Freedom Caucus and Harris’ zombie-like intransigence. These people are fearful that indictments for their January 6th involvement to help plan and support the insurrection will expose them for their treasonous violation of their oaths to defend the US Constitution.
I would add that these radicals are Trumpists willing to do his protective bidding under all circumstances. Worse yet, Harris, Gaetz, Greene, Gomert, Gosar and the remainder of that cabal are equally committed to the Steve Bannon School of undermining and bringing down the institutions of our democratic republic. Now, with these sharks in charge of the House committees, the gloves will be off in terms of their overt approach to bringing down our constitutional heritage.
It has been reported that Speaker Kevin McCarthy will prohibit the appointment of Democratic Congresspersons Schiff, Omar, Swalwell and others from serving on House committees. Thus, I hope that whomever he attempts to isolate will form their own “committee” and daily report to the public via the news media on every aspect of the radical Republican assault on our body politic.
In the next 18 months, it will be critically important for all our fellow citizens to be exposed to the effects of Republicans’ efforts to end Social Security and low-cost health insurance while protecting Trump from prosecution for his cavalcade of crimes against this country.
Harris and his extremist accomplices can be held accountable in 2024, but only if all of us publicly document their campaign with all its vile impacts on us as individuals and our country as an entity. This rerquires that we daily and weekly articulate the degeneracy of their actions in Washington, DC. Clearly, we can’t rely on our local newspaper to serve as a voice. The Spy and social media need to be mobilized to offset the upcoming blizzard of radical disinformation.
Harris’ campaign signs often included the admonition to “Save America”. If reasonable citizens don’t speak out now, we may not be able to save America from the likes of Harris and the Freedom Caucus fanatics.
L Baker says
Mr. Terrone, I believe once the investigation is completed on the January 6th shenanigans (and that is what they were), you will find out that Pelosi, Schumer, Schiff, and many others trying to attack Trump (what did they try, 2 impeachment’s?) were behind it all. Trump asked Nancy Pelosi for the NG to be brought in due to the amount of people that were planned to attend that day, she adamantly denied his request. They also have not allowed certain tapes of that day at the Capitol to be shown. You shall see when it’s all finally investigated and the findings come out. Too many judgements are made before the truth comes out. Let’s see what happens.
Mickey Terrone says
Mr. Baker, I’m afraid your theory begins to read like a QANON Conspiracy. But if those Democrats were “behind it all”, they should go to jail for such a crime against this ccountry. If not, the traitors who did perpetrate this attempted revolution should land behind bars, including the ones who planned it, fired the mob and the didn’t get arrested. Yet.
I’ve been trying to figure out how those Democrats got Trump to make that speech to the January 6th mob and got them to attack the US Capitol. She must be much, much smarter than I ever thought. How she got Giulaini, Eastman, and that batter of Trump lawyers to respond so dramatically to plot and plan is amazing. I suppose she supervised Bannon and the War Room group at the Willard Hotel, too. Then she put Michael Flynn’s brother in charge of delaying any military response to give the rioters time to take over the capital and hang Mike Pence. I suppose she also met with Andy HArris and other Freedom Caucus members at the White House a few nights before Jan 6th just to make sure the rioters knew where all the key offices are located and how to get there. That must be why she refused to testify when rerquested by the January 6th Committee. Anybody likely to testify under oath certainly would want to evade legal jeopardy. Maybe we’ll find out she’s the leader of the Proud Girls.
L Baker says
All I’m going to say, as I said before. You’re making judgements before the investigations are completed. I don’t know what a Quanon is. I do know the main stream media lies, is biased, and doesn’t show everything.
Mickey Terrone says
Mr. Baker: I haven’t made my final judgments. The essence of my previous post was that “IF”, as you suggested, those Democrats were “behind it all”, they should go to jail for such crimes against this country. If not, the traitors who did perpetrate this attempted revolution should land behind bars, including the ones who planned it, fired the mob and havent been arrested yet. How do you not understand what I plainly wrote?
Don’t you think that if there is evidence incriminating Pelosi et al, someone would have produced it by now? In fact, the co-conspirators have made every effort not to testify under oath to what they know. Numerous Republicans have resorted to taking the 5th Amentment plea so as not to incriminate themselves. Do you think they are trying to protect Nancy Pelosi?
In reality, the investigations are generally complete and have been referred to the Justice Department. In fact, the results of the investigation have already placed numerous rioters into prison for their involvement. I haven’t heard of any conspiratorial connection with Nancy Pelosi other than rioters were looking for her office to find and kill her.
Clearly, I want anyone who sought to destroy our Constitution to be held accountable and harshly sentenced for such a grevious expression of treasonous disloyalty to our country. Don’t you? I think any true American patriot shares that feeling.
Steve Shimko says
Mr. Baker is mistaken (that’s a nice way of putting it) when he says that Nancy Pelosi had the authority to being in the National Guard. From the web page of the DC National Guard, it says “This authority to activate the D.C. National Guard has been delegated, by the President, to the Secretary of Defense and further delegated to the Secretary of the Army. The D.C. National Guard is the only National Guard unit, out of all of the 54 states and territories, which reports only to the President.”
Nowhere in this statement does it say anything about the Speaker of the House having the authority to activate the DC National Guard. Only the President, or his designees, have that authority. And it’s crystal clear from events of Jan. 6 that Trump had no intention of calling in the guard because he wanted to overturn the election and prevent the duly elected President from taking office.
Deirdre LaMotte says
Well said Mickey. The GOP is nothing but anarchists. I remember studying about the RussianBolshevik/Communist
anarchist; Violence is a means to power.
The GOP:
Tolerating the mass shootings of children in schools demonstrates their depravity. Child separation policies
and forced birth policies demonstrate their inhumanity. Trashing environmental safety laws demonstrate their
greed. Ignoring public health protocols demonstrate their ruthlessness. And stupidity. Attempting a violent insurrection
demonstrated their intentions. Failing to hold any of the coup plotters
accountable demonstrates their complicity.
The GOP’s perennial problem is their philosophy prioritizes selfishness over societal needs, and it values
greed, bigotry, exclusiveness, and control, emphasizing these values through fear and hate. And lies.
Mickey Terrone says
Dierdre, you are on point. Amazingly, the GOP has also portrayed itself as the party of evangelical Christianity at the same time that it condems all desperate migrants of color (mostly Catholic South and Central Americans) as criminals, rapists and drug dealers. I have to wonder where the Christian ministers are and why they haven’t spoken out forcefully against the bigotry, racism and utterly unchristian behavior of so many who daily betray the very essence of Jesus Christ’s ministry of love, tolerance and charity.
Before the American Civil War, all major Protestant denominations and the Catholic Church experienced a major North-South schism with the southern slave state hierarchies defending slavery based upon the Old Testament. My sense is that if the southern churchmen spoke out against slavery, most white folks might have refused to join the Confederate armies and refused secession. Perhaps those churchmen feared for the loss of their jobs to political extremists.
I believe Christian Church leaders today should step up and more overtly condemn bigotry and preach Christ’s teachings against greed, hatred, bigotry and violence. If some parishioners are offended, it would cause them to rethink their motivations and come closer to living as Christians and not just claiming to.