Public Record
Education and Andy Harris
He speaks about parental rights and local control. His voting record repeatedly cuts or undermines the very federal programs rural school districts rely on.
What Harris says publicly
On his official education issue page and in public statements, Andy Harris presents himself as a supporter of parents, local schools, and “education freedom.” He emphasizes:
- Local control of education
- Parental rights in classrooms
- Opposition to “federal overreach”
- Preparing students for the workforce
His rhetoric frames education as a local responsibility best handled by families and communities—not Washington— and himself as a defender of parents and students.
Voting record
Where Harris has supported Eastern Shore education
Announced $387,500 research award to University of Maryland Eastern Shore
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences awarded $387,500 to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Harris announced the award, which was made by the NIH — an independent federal agency. (Source: NIH — NIGMS grant database; UMES — Research)
Championed Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine program at UMES
Harris submitted a federal community project funding request to help UMES establish a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine program. This is a stated funding request; the program's establishment depends on appropriations approval. (Source: UMES — Academic programs)
Supported federal STEM and research funding through Appropriations Committee work
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Harris participates in markup sessions that set NIH, NSF, and education funding levels benefiting Maryland institutions. Committee membership is verifiable through Congress.gov. (Source: Congress.gov — Harris committees)
Where Harris has opposed education funding
Threatened to withhold Maryland's federal education funds (2025)
In August 2025, Harris wrote to Maryland's State Superintendent threatening to work with the Trump administration to withhold Maryland's federal education funds in connection with a local school board dispute in Somerset County — a move critics said weaponized federal funding for political purposes. (Source: Wikipedia — Andy Harris)
Voted against education spending increases in omnibus bills
Harris has a pattern of voting against omnibus appropriations bills that included increases for Title I, Head Start, and Pell Grant programs, as part of his broader opposition to federal spending growth. (Source: GovTrack — Harris votes)
Supported budget frameworks cutting Department of Education funding
Harris backed House Republican budget resolutions that proposed significant cuts to the Department of Education, including consolidation or elimination of programs serving low-income and rural students. (Source: GovTrack — Harris report card)
Impact on students and schools on Maryland’s Eastern Shore
Rural schools hit hardest
Eastern Shore school districts rely more heavily on federal education funding due to smaller tax bases. Harris’s votes disproportionately harm low-income students, students with disabilities, and rural families.
Teacher shortages & larger class sizes
Flat or reduced funding makes it harder to retain experienced teachers, offer competitive salaries, and provide classroom support and special services.
Higher education becomes less attainable
Opposition to student loan relief and grant expansion increases debt burdens and reduces college access for Shore students.
Public Statements and Voting Record
Bottom line: Public Statements and Voting Record
Where he has supported Eastern Shore education
- Secured $387,500 research award for UMES
- Championed veterinary medicine program at UMES
- Supported STEM funding through Appropriations Committee
Where he has opposed education funding
- Threatened to withhold Maryland federal education funds (2025)
- Voted against education spending in omnibus bills
- Backed budget frameworks cutting Department of Education