Andy “Handgun” Harris remains at work fighting for the interests of the Eastern Shore. On Saturday, his contribution was to vote against the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act. The bill passed the House, 219-212, with all Republicans and two Democrats voting “no.” But if Andy had his way, you could forget about those family stimulus checks of $1,400 for adults earning $75,000 or less a year, $1,400 payment for each dependent child, a $3,600 annual tax credit per child under age 6, and $3,000 per child up to age 17.
The bill also increases the weekly unemployment benefit from $300 to $400 per week through August 29, provides $130 billion in new funds for K-12 public schools, and $85 billion in new funds to fight the pandemic: Roughly $50 billion for virus testing and contact tracing, $19 billion to increase the size of the public health workforce, and $16 billion to fund vaccine distribution and supply chains. Dr. Harris apparently concluded that these investments are not necessary. I wonder if a second opinion from Dr. Fauci might differ.
If the ARPA sounds like a liberal wish list to you, maybe Harris is right. Here’s how Harris explains his vote:
From funding the Pelosi tunnel to the Schumer bridge, the Biden bailout is nothing but a pricey liberal wish list. If Democrats were serious about focusing on COVID-19, they would focus on spending the $1 trillion in currently unspent stimulus dollars, reopening schools, and following the science on vaccine policy. Unfortunately, future generations will be saddled with the Biden bailout’s big price tag.
Analyzing this statement, the first thing to notice is a reference to the “Pelosi tunnel.” It is $141 million of the $90 billion provided for infrastructure. Of the entire $1.9 trillion bill, it is 0.000074 of the total spending. Is it wasteful spending? It’s a subway tunnel in Pelosi’s district, described by critics as a “pet project” but supported by others in the area. There appears to be no evidence that Harris researched the proposed tunnel before condemning it. And even if the tunnel were wasteful spending, does that justify opposing the entire bill, which will provide millions in needed funds for Marylanders?
The bill also calls for funding for the “Schumer bridge,” which is a reference for the Seaway International Bridge. This is $1.5 million (not a typo) of the spending. Apparently, Andy “Handgun” Harris wasn’t aware that the funding request did not originate with Senator Schumer. It was made in 2020 by the Trump Department of Transportation, headed by Elaine Chao, spouse of Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY).
Curiously, Harris does not mention relief for small businesses, including SBA loan forgiveness. Has Dr. Harris concluded Maryland small businesses don’t need help? Are you aware of any small business that has not been hurt by the shut down?
He also is not talking about the $47 billion in the FEMA Disaster Relief Fund. I wonder if some of that money might come in handy for the Eastern Shore next time a major hurricane hits.
Final passage on the ARPA will hopefully occur soon. At this point, it is a safe bet that both our Senators and every House member, other than Harris will vote for it. Maryland voters should remember this vote. Harris is out of touch with the Eastern Shore. Issues other than the Second Amendment are important to us.
“Handgun” Harris is wrong to oppose this legislation.
J.E. Dean of Oxford is a retired attorney and public affairs consultant writing on politics, government, and domestic policy.
Darrell Parsons says
“handgun” Harris seems not to research anything before he votes no. He just votes, “No” if the vote has anything to do with a Democratic politician. There is no logic other than to oppose, and then oppose some more. He seems not to pay attention to the many facets of the Bill in question which would clearly benefit individuals, businesses and the general community on the Eastern Shore. It is easy to say “No”. Much harder to actually understand a Bill, and vote yes or no based on the reality of the bill in question. How much longer are Eastern Shore constituents going to vote for someone who is clearly not working in anyone’s best interest.
John Dean says
Thank you for reading the piece. In answer to the question at the end of your comment, I hope that Eastern Shore voters will help Harris keep his term limits promise (the one he recently announced he intends to break).
Jim Richardson says
Mr. Harris continues to be an embarrassment for those he supposedly represents. He could easily (and more cheaply), be replaced by a machine that was programmed to always vote “no” when any Bill supported by Democrats came to the floor. Although difficult because of the extreme gerrymandering of our district, it is still possible to give this man his walking papers in 2022. It will take a lot of hard work and organizing, but there is no question in my mind that there already exists the strong motivation among many of his constituents to make that happen.
John Dean says
Thanks for reading and commenting.
I hope you are right that it will be possible to defeat Harris in 2022. I am encouraged by impressive candidates from both parties indicating interest in running against him. Even if the Eastern Shore continues to want a Republican representative in Washington, Harris should be defeated.
Laura Zagon says
The problem is that everyone voting for Harris is also just voting against Democrats. They are the same mindset as Harris, so it is futile to think they won’t keep reelecting this despicable “representative”.
Barbara Denton says
If this is an American Rescue plan why is only 9% of a $1.9 Trillion Dollar bill being spent on Covid 19 relief? This bill is a pork wishlist for every Democrat supporter on the face of the earth. By the way many of the dollars within this bill will go to other countries which have nothing to do with the welfare of the United States. The government has come nowhere near spending the money in the last CARES act and now they are coming back to the trough for more. The Democrats would not pass a sane bill when Donald Trump was President because they did not want him to get the credit for it. Andy was correct in opposing this bill and should do it again if it somehow gets through the Senate. P.S. Pelosi’s tunnel would run from San Francisco to San Jose to serve the Big Tech industry. Perhaps Zuckerberg should pay for it, not United States taxpayers.
John Dean says
As you might guess, I disagree with most of your points. Despite various issues with the bill, I believe passage of the legislation would be of benefit to the Eastern Shore.
Ideally, Democrats and Republicans would have worked together to craft a bipartisan bill. The Biden administration and Congressional Democrats determined that wasn’t possible after it became clear that even if major changes were made in the bill, no Republican votes would be picked up.
On your point on only 9% of the bill going for “Covid 19 relief,” let me suggest that spending for schools and colleges and even at least some of the direct payments to individuals are, to my mind, “covid 19 relief.”
I’m not sure about your comment on “Pelosi’s tunnel.” Would you oppose federal funding for building a new bay bridge (or upgrading the existing ones) because it serves DC people going to the beach?
In any case, I appreciate your reading the piece despite your disagreement with it.
Stephen Schaare says
Hi Mr. Dean, Congratulations are indeed in order. First time, in my recollection, you have not mentioned your “orange menace”, Mr. Trump. I am hopeful this becomes a trend.
Are you, right now, searching for and supporting an opponent for Dr. Harris? Cannot wait until next year, must begin today. Do it, get it done.
John Dean says
Thank you for reminding me of who “The Orange Menace” is. Please note that now that he has been defeated, he is less of a menace. You may have also noted that he greatly embarrassed himself at CPAC (just watch all 90 minutes of the speech on YouTube). Finally, he will become a complete non-factor once he gets buried in criminal and civil litigation. A National Commission on the events of January 6th also may prove he slowed down the National Guard responding to the riot that he incited.
Regarding an opponent to Dr. Harris, I do plan to follow who is running against him. At the appropriate time, and after research, I hope to endorse someone. In the interim, I think the Eastern Shore would be better off with Harris out of office, even if the seat remained vacant until the 2022 elections.
Stephen Schaare says
Thank you for your reply. More money for the schools? Really? They are swimming in unspent funds. The Teacher’s Unions will not return to the schools regardless of funding. Chapter President for Los Angeles denounces parents wanting their children back in school as “racist” and exercising “white privilege.”
With regard to Trump and some speech he gave, I have neither the time or interest for him. He is a former President, move on. I am much more interested in the new President and the tragedy at our southern border.
Again, I thank you for writing.
Stephen Schaare says
With regard to Rep. Harris, I see no big deal here. He is the lone Republican in the House from Maryland. Both Senators are, well, you know. Not entirely sure where to place Gov. Hogan.
Why can’t we have one Republican in the House? For no other reason than inclusion and diversity? You know, the “big tent” concept. I do not see the problem. One in eight? C’mon.
John Dean says
I’m fine with a Republican representing the Eastern Shore. My issue with Harris is that Harris appears oblivious to the needs of the area. Given Harris’ most recent victory margins, a moderate Republican is the best bet to replace him.
Thomas Malone says
Right on!
Ezra Finkin says
Seems like a certain someone who represents the Eastern Shore who criticized Speaker Pelosi for 0.000074 percent of ARPA funds for a commuter rail tunnel maintenance project should have spent his time tryign to get 0.000074 percent of funds for Bay Bridge maintenance or maybe 0.000074 percent of funds for other projects in the District. Instead a certain someone decided to spend his time complaining and got nothing for all his efforts in the end.