Public Record
Foreign Policy and Andy Harris
He sells “America First” strength and fiscal restraint. His voting record repeatedly opposes strategic aid and alliance-supporting frameworks—without offering a credible plan for stability, deterrence, or long-term security.
What Harris says publicly
On his official website and in public statements, Andy Harris frames his foreign policy approach as:
- “America First” leadership
- Fiscal responsibility in foreign aid
- Strong national defense
- Skepticism of “endless wars” and overseas spending
- Standing with U.S. allies—selectively—while opposing waste and corruption
His messaging emphasizes strength, restraint, and prioritizing domestic needs over international commitments.
Voting record
Where Harris has supported U.S. security and foreign policy interests
Supported sanctions and measures against adversarial regimes
Harris has voted in favor of sanctions packages targeting Iran, Russia, and other adversarial actors, as part of a broader foreign policy posture that uses economic tools to project U.S. influence. (Source: Congress.gov — Harris)
Backed efforts to counter Chinese influence and fentanyl trafficking
Harris has supported legislation targeting Chinese fentanyl exports and advocated for decoupling U.S. energy production from Chinese supply chains — calling for increased domestic natural gas and coal production as a counter-influence strategy. (Source: Wikipedia — Andy Harris)
Supports military readiness and defense appropriations
Harris, a U.S. Navy Reserve veteran and former commanding officer of the Johns Hopkins Naval Reserve Medical Unit, has consistently supported defense appropriations and military readiness as a priority. (Source: Ballotpedia — Andrew Harris)
Where Harris has opposed foreign policy and security measures
Voted against requiring congressional authorization for Trump's war on Iran
In March 2026, Harris voted against a War Powers Resolution that would have required President Trump to seek congressional approval for ongoing U.S. military strikes against Iran — strikes launched without a declaration of war or congressional authorization. Harris was the only member of Maryland's congressional delegation to vote no, standing with the Trump administration as every other Maryland representative voted yes. The U.S. Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the sole power to declare war. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found 43% of Americans disapproved of the Iran strikes, with only 27% approving. (Source: TANTV News — Maryland delegation War Powers vote; Reuters/Ipsos poll — Iran strikes approval, March 2026; NPR — Iran strikes and War Powers)
Voted to allow Trump's unauthorized military invasion of Venezuela
In December 2025, Harris voted against two War Powers resolutions that would have required congressional authorization for Trump's military strikes on alleged drug boats and his escalating military provocations against Venezuela — including a blockade, which is considered an act of war under international law. Trump's January 2026 military operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and killed as many as 80 people, was launched without a declaration of war or authorization from Congress. Harris voted to allow these actions to proceed unchecked, despite the Constitution's clear grant of war-making authority to Congress. (Source: Common Dreams — House Venezuela War Powers vote; Al Jazeera — Venezuela War Powers resolution defeated; National Constitution Center — War Powers and Venezuela)
Voted against the National Defense Authorization Act (FY2023)
Harris voted against the FY2023 NDAA — the primary vehicle for military funding and policy — one of 71 Republicans who opposed it. Critics noted the vote came despite widespread bipartisan support for the legislation. (Source: Wikipedia — Andy Harris)
Voted against Ukraine Comprehensive Debt Relief Act (2022)
Harris voted against legislation providing debt relief to Ukraine during Russia's invasion — a measure supported by U.S. allies and framed by proponents as essential to sustaining a democratic partner under attack. (Source: Wikipedia — Andy Harris; Common Sense Eastern Shore)
Voted against rejoining the Paris Agreement, affecting U.S. global standing
Harris voted against H.R. 9, which would have prevented U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement — a decision that strained relationships with allies who view climate as a central security and diplomatic issue. (Source: Wikipedia — Andy Harris)
Public Statements and Voting Record
Bottom line: Public Statements and Voting Record
Where he has supported U.S. foreign policy interests
- Supported sanctions against adversarial regimes
- Backed counter-China fentanyl and energy legislation
- Consistent supporter of defense appropriations and military readiness
Where he has opposed foreign policy measures
- Voted against FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act
- Voted against Ukraine Debt Relief Act (2022)
- Voted against preventing U.S. withdrawal from Paris Agreement
- Voted against requiring congressional approval for Trump's war on Iran (March 2026)
- Voted to allow Trump's unauthorized military invasion of Venezuela (December 2025)