Wed Sep 18 17:27:00 UTC 2024: ## Rep. Andy Harris Elected Chairman of House Freedom Caucus, Aims to Curb Spending and Push Conservative Policies

**WASHINGTON, D.C. –** Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md., 1st) has been elected as the new chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, a right-wing group known for its hardline stance on fiscal issues and government spending. Harris, a founding member of the caucus, takes over the position following the resignation of Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.), who lost his primary reelection bid.

Harris, who represents Maryland’s Eastern Shore and is the state’s only Republican in Congress, is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and serves as the committee’s chair of the agriculture subcommittee. His new chairmanship is a significant victory for the Freedom Caucus, which has been pushing for a more conservative approach to spending.

“I look forward to leading this caucus as we confront the reckless spending of the Biden-Harris Administration, work to secure our Southern Border, and defend our constitutional freedoms in the House of Representatives,” Harris said in a statement.

The Freedom Caucus has a history of causing legislative chaos for Republican leadership, notably playing a key role in the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Ca.) and the election of current Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).

One of the caucus’s immediate priorities is to push for conservative policies, including a measure that would require proof of citizenship to vote, to be included in a temporary government funding bill.

Harris’ new role may also impact the efforts of the Maryland congressional delegation to secure full federal funding to rebuild Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed in March. While Harris supports full federal funding for the repair project, the Freedom Caucus had initially advocated for exploring liabilities from shipping companies before approving government funds.

Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) expressed hope that the authorization for the government to pay for the full repairs could be added to the continuing resolution, noting the collaboration of Harris and Maryland Democrats in the House.

Harris’ election to the chairmanship of the House Freedom Caucus signifies the growing influence of conservative voices within the Republican Party. His leadership is expected to intensify the debate over government spending and policy priorities in the coming months.

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