Public Record
Jobs and Andy Harris
He talks like a champion of workers and “job creators.” His voting record repeatedly blocks the big, broad-based investments that create construction, manufacturing, clean-energy, and recovery jobs—especially in rural communities.
What Harris says publicly
On his official jobs and economy messaging, Andy Harris regularly presents himself as a champion of job creators and working people. His rhetoric emphasizes:
- Supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs
- Reducing regulations to “free” the economy
- Promoting economic growth through tax cuts
- Standing up for workers on the Eastern Shore
He frames job creation as a core priority—and himself as a defender of local economies and working families.
Voting record
Where Harris has supported Eastern Shore jobs and economic development
Delivered $8 million for Eastern Shore freight rail upgrades
Harris secured $8 million in federal funding for the Enhancing Eastern Shore Freight Rail Growth and Reliability Project, repairing MDOT freight rail lines in Kent and Queen Anne's Counties — directly supporting businesses that rely on rail for goods movement. (Source: MDOT — Rail programs; Congress.gov — FY2026 Transportation Appropriations)
Secured $40 million for new dredging vessel protecting maritime jobs
Harris led a bipartisan coalition of 15 coastal members to secure $40–50 million for a replacement dredging vessel for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — protecting navigation channels critical to the Ocean City fishing industry, port operations, and commercial vessel access. (Source: Dredging Today — Harris dredge funding)
Supported $2 million grant for job training in Maryland rehab facilities
The U.S. Department of Labor announced a $2 million grant for job training in Maryland substance abuse rehabilitation facilities. Harris released a statement of support; the grant was issued by DOL, not Harris personally. (Source: DOL — Workforce grants)
Where Harris has opposed jobs and economic investment
Voted against the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
Harris voted against the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which provided $1.2 trillion for roads, bridges, broadband, and water infrastructure — funding that Maryland used for multiple Eastern Shore projects. (Source: GovTrack — Harris votes)
Voted against the CHIPS and Science Act
Harris voted against the CHIPS and Science Act, which invested in domestic semiconductor manufacturing, research, and workforce development — a bill supporters said would create American manufacturing jobs and reduce supply chain vulnerability. (Source: GovTrack — Harris votes)
Opposed Sandy relief funding that would have supported Eastern Shore recovery jobs
Harris voted against emergency Sandy relief in 2012, which would have funded recovery and construction work in Crisfield and other Shore communities — jobs that would have been directly tied to rebuilding local infrastructure. (Source: Common Sense Eastern Shore)
Impact on workers on Maryland’s Eastern Shore
Missed job opportunities
Votes against infrastructure, clean energy, and recovery funding mean fewer construction, manufacturing, and skilled-trade jobs locally.
Weaker rural economies
Without federal investment, rural areas struggle to attract employers, expand broadband, or modernize facilities needed for job growth.
Less job security
Cuts to labor enforcement and workforce programs weaken protections, suppress wages, and leave workers with fewer paths to advancement.
Public Statements and Voting Record
Bottom line: Public Statements and Voting Record
Where he has supported Eastern Shore jobs
- Delivered $8M for Eastern Shore freight rail upgrades
- Secured $40M for dredging vessel protecting maritime economy
- Supported job training funding for recovery programs
Where he has opposed job-creating investments
- Voted against bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
- Voted against CHIPS and Science Act
- Opposed Sandy recovery funding that would have created Shore jobs