Public Record
National Security and Andy Harris
He projects strength and patriotism. His voting record repeatedly weakens democratic safeguards, oversight, and long-term resilience—the very foundations national security depends on.
What Harris says publicly
On his official National Security issue page and in public remarks, Andy Harris presents himself as a strong defender of the United States against foreign threats. His messaging emphasizes:
- A tough stance against terrorism and hostile foreign powers
- Strong support for the U.S. military and defense readiness
- Opposition to adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran
- Framing national security as inseparable from American strength, order, and patriotism
His rhetoric positions him as a reliable hawk—someone voters should trust to protect the country in an increasingly unstable world.
Voting record
Where Harris has supported national security
U.S. Navy Reserve veteran and former medical unit commander
Harris served in the U.S. Navy Reserve and commanded the Johns Hopkins Naval Reserve Medical Unit from 1989 to 1992, bringing firsthand military service to his congressional work on defense and security issues. (Source: Ballotpedia — Andrew Harris)
Supported border and port security to counter drug trafficking
Harris has backed investments in port and border security infrastructure, including new detection technology at the Port of Baltimore, as part of a strategy to reduce fentanyl and narcotics entering through commercial shipping. (Source: myeasternshoremd.com — Harris visits Eastern Shore delegation)
Backed measures targeting Chinese supply chain influence
Harris has supported legislation to counter Chinese economic and technological influence — including calls for domestic energy and manufacturing independence — framing supply chain security as a core national security issue. (Source: Wikipedia — Andy Harris)
Where Harris has opposed security investments
Voted against the National Defense Authorization Act (FY2023)
Harris was among only 71 Republicans to vote against the FY2023 NDAA — the primary annual vehicle for military funding, readiness, and policy — which passed with broad bipartisan support. (Source: Wikipedia — Andy Harris; Common Sense Eastern Shore)
Voted against the Active Shooter Alert Act (2022)
Harris voted against legislation that would have established a national alert system for active shooter incidents — an information-sharing framework supporters said would help communities respond faster and save lives. (Source: Common Sense Eastern Shore)
Voted against Ukraine security assistance
Harris voted against the Ukraine Comprehensive Debt Relief Act and other forms of U.S. support for Ukraine during Russia's invasion — a position critics said weakened the Western security coalition and emboldened adversarial actors. (Source: Wikipedia — Andy Harris)
Impact on national security — including Maryland’s Eastern Shore
Domestic instability as a threat
National security leaders increasingly identify internal democratic breakdown as a top-tier risk to U.S. stability.
Military families and communities
Political extremism and institutional distrust affect readiness—especially in communities with large veteran and Guard populations.
Global standing
U.S. allies rely on American democratic credibility. Undermining elections and accountability weakens alliances and emboldens adversaries.
Public Statements and Voting Record
Bottom line: Public Statements and Voting Record
Where he has supported national security
- U.S. Navy Reserve veteran, former medical unit commander
- Backed port security and drug interdiction investments
- Supported counter-China supply chain legislation
Where he has opposed security measures
- Voted against FY2023 NDAA
- Voted against Active Shooter Alert Act
- Voted against Ukraine security assistance