Public Record
Inflation and Andy Harris
He campaigns on “fighting inflation.” His voting record repeatedly opposes policies that directly lower household costs— while protecting the corporate pricing power that drives price spikes.
What Harris says publicly
In public statements and interviews, Andy Harris regularly claims to be fighting inflation on behalf of working families and seniors. His messaging emphasizes:
- Blaming inflation on “reckless federal spending”
- Opposing “Washington overspending”
- Framing himself as a fiscal conservative protecting household budgets
- Claiming Democratic policies are driving up prices for food, gas, and housing
Harris presents himself as a watchdog against inflation—standing with families struggling to keep up with rising costs.
Voting record
Where Harris has supported economic relief for working families
Supported Maryland gas tax holiday extension (2022)
Following the spike in gas prices tied to the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, Harris supported extending Maryland's gas tax holiday through the end of the year — providing direct relief to Eastern Shore commuters and businesses dependent on transportation. (Source: Wikipedia — Andy Harris)
Publicly argued against deficit spending while ultimately voting for $4.1 trillion in new debt
Harris has repeatedly called himself a fiscal conservative and warned that deficit spending drives inflation. He held out on the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" — publicly resisting it over deficit concerns and even skipping a White House meeting, saying "there's nothing I don't understand about this issue." The Congressional Budget Office scored the bill as adding $3.8 trillion to the federal deficit over a decade from tax provisions alone, with the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimating $4.1 trillion in total new debt. After pressure from Trump and Republican leadership, Harris voted yes. One constituent wrote in the Baltimore Sun: "Congressman Harris touts his reputation as a 'fiscal conservative'... But, notwithstanding his loud protests, he voted yes. And as a result, Maryland taxpayers are now saddled with their share of an additional $4.1 trillion of Washington debt." (Source: Baltimore Sun — Harris Big Beautiful Bill op-ed response; PBS NewsHour — CBO deficit analysis; Newsweek — Harris voted yes on final bill)
Pushed to reopen businesses during the pandemic before public health conditions supported it
Harris advocated early for lifting COVID-19 restrictions, telling protesters in Salisbury in May 2020 "It is safe to begin to reopen Maryland" and pushing to lift restrictions on "low-risk businesses" including golf courses — while Maryland was still in the early stages of the pandemic. He also voted for, then publicly criticized, the CARES Act, and voted against the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which delivered direct relief to small businesses, workers, and families. The bill Harris cosponsored — framed as protecting small businesses — would have threatened to withhold federal COVID relief funds from states that imposed any restrictions on small businesses, effectively pressuring states to drop safety measures as a condition of receiving aid. (Source: Wikipedia — Andy Harris)
Where Harris has opposed cost-of-living relief measures
Voted against the Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act
Harris voted against legislation that would have made it a federal offense for energy companies to charge unconscionably high prices for fuel during emergencies — a measure supporters said would have directly protected Eastern Shore families from price spikes. (Source: Common Sense Eastern Shore)
Voted against the Inflation Reduction Act
Harris voted against the Inflation Reduction Act, which included provisions capping Medicare prescription drug prices — including insulin — and extending health insurance subsidies for working families. Supporters said these provisions directly reduced costs for constituents. (Source: GovTrack — Harris votes)
Opposed emergency flood relief after Superstorm Sandy (2012)
Harris voted against $10 million in emergency flood funding after Superstorm Sandy damaged Crisfield and other Eastern Shore communities in 2012 — communities that later received FEMA aid through a separate process. (Source: Common Sense Eastern Shore)
Impact on Maryland’s Eastern Shore
Working families and seniors
Higher prescription drug costs. Rising insurance premiums. Fewer protections against price hikes.
Rural communities
Higher energy and transportation costs. Less investment in cost-saving infrastructure. Greater exposure to market volatility.
Small businesses
Less relief from supply-chain shocks. Continued dominance of consolidated corporations able to raise prices.
Public Statements and Voting Record
Bottom line: Public Statements and Voting Record
Where he has supported economic relief
- Backed Maryland gas tax holiday extension (2022)
- Claimed to oppose deficit spending, then voted for $4.1 trillion in new debt (2025)
- Pushed for premature business reopening during COVID; voted against direct small business relief (2021)
Where he has opposed cost-of-living measures
- Voted against Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act
- Voted against Inflation Reduction Act (including insulin price caps)
- Voted against Sandy flood relief for Eastern Shore (2012)