Veterans — Andy Harris: Public Record — What He Says and How He Votes

What Harris says publicly

On his official Veterans issue page, Andy Harris emphasizes respect, gratitude, and a commitment to “ensur[ing] veterans have access to the highest quality health care” and addressing the difficult transition home after service.

His website states that veterans “deserve our respect and gratitude” and asserts that the VA must be accountable for improving care and reducing wait times.

The message is clear: veterans should be honored with accessible, accountable health care.

Voting record

Where Harris has supported Eastern Shore veterans

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Championed the Veterans Choice Program for rural veterans

Harris was an early advocate for the Veterans Choice Program, which allows veterans on the Eastern Shore to access care at local providers rather than traveling across the Bay to Baltimore VA facilities. (Source: VA — Veterans Choice Program; Congress.gov — VACAA)

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U.S. Navy Reserve veteran with firsthand VA hospital experience

Harris served in the Navy Reserve and trained at a VA hospital, giving him firsthand exposure to the VA system. He has used that experience to argue for reforming VA bureaucracy and improving care quality for veterans. (Source: Ballotpedia — Andrew Harris)

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Requested federal funding for veterans' mental health programs

Harris submitted community project funding requests for the Klein Family Center, a 24/7 mental health and addiction care center serving veterans and others on the Eastern Shore. Community project funding requests are public record filed with Congress. (Source: Congress.gov — Community Project Funding; Klein Family Center)

Where Harris has opposed veterans benefits

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Voted against the Honoring Our PACT Act

Harris voted against the PACT Act, which expanded VA healthcare and benefits eligibility for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits and Agent Orange — affecting hundreds of thousands of veterans nationwide and a significant number in Maryland. The bill passed with broad bipartisan support. (Source: Wikipedia — Andy Harris; Common Sense Eastern Shore)

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Voted against the National Defense Authorization Act (FY2023)

Harris voted against the FY2023 NDAA, which included military pay raises, housing allowance adjustments, and readiness investments affecting active duty service members and veterans — one of only 71 Republicans to oppose it. (Source: Wikipedia — Andy Harris)

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Backed budget frameworks proposing cuts to veterans' programs

Harris supported House Republican budget resolutions that proposed reducing discretionary spending — frameworks that analysts said would affect VA funding, military retirement benefits, and veterans' healthcare programs. (Source: GovTrack — Harris report card)

Impact on Veterans in Maryland’s Eastern Shore

VA health care and toxic exposure

Veterans returning from Iraq, Afghanistan, and other theaters with exposure to burn pits and toxic environments may face additional hurdles getting disability benefits and care—rather than the streamlined qualification the PACT Act provided.

Trust and bureaucratic burden

Harris’s messaging promises improved VA accountability. Opposing a landmark bill designed to expand access creates a disconnect between rhetoric and legislative action.

Economic strain on veterans and families

Delayed or denied benefits can mean medical debt, reduced income due to service-related conditions, or increased reliance on family support— contrary to the stated goal of honoring those who served.

Veterans and Andy Harris