Rep. Andy Harris, a longstanding member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, has assumed the role of chairman, taking over from Rep. Bob Good of Virginia.

Harris, who has served in Congress since 2011, is now tasked with steering the group through critical fiscal debates, as government funding deadlines loom, and he is the first Freedom Caucus leader to also serve on the influential House Appropriations Committee, as the Washington Times reports.

The congressman hopes to use his position to shape the spending battles the country faces in the months ahead, drawing on his experience as an appropriator.

The House Freedom Caucus, founded in 2015, is known for its push to adopt conservative fiscal policies and often pressures Republican leadership to curb federal spending.

Harris has been a member since its inception and has played an active role in several policy fights. His appointment as chairman on Sept. 17 comes at a pivotal moment, with a potential government shutdown on the horizon and midterm elections fast approaching.

Harris Plans to Navigate Spending Negotiations

As chairman, Harris has stated that his goal is to push for fiscal responsibility while acknowledging the political realities of compromise. “My philosophy is that we have to actually get things accomplished,” Harris said, signaling a pragmatic approach. He emphasized that while the Freedom Caucus may not achieve all its goals, the group is committed to pulling the Republican conference in a more conservative direction.

Harris's experience on the House Appropriations Committee is expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming spending battles. The committee oversees federal spending, and Harris has contributed to legislation even as his caucus has at times opposed it. His unique position as both a Freedom Caucus leader and an appropriator may give him the leverage to influence budget negotiations, particularly with the government facing another funding deadline on Dec. 20.

Critical Spending Decisions Ahead

The Freedom Caucus has long been a vocal advocate for reducing government spending, and Harris’s leadership could see the group exert even more pressure on Republican leaders in the weeks ahead. One of the key issues will be whether to approve a funding bill to avoid a government shutdown, a decision that must be made before Dec. 20. Harris has indicated that he is open to a partial shutdown if it helps achieve conservative fiscal goals.

“A shutdown situation, in my mind, is entirely different one month before an election and 23 months before an election,” Harris said, referencing the November elections and the upcoming presidential race. With the Nov. 5 elections just weeks away, the political stakes are high, and the Freedom Caucus’s stance on spending could play a major role in shaping the party’s position going into 2024.

Harris Supports Federal Funding for Maryland Bridge

In addition to his focus on national spending, Harris has also advocated for federal funding to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland, which collapsed into the Patapsco River in March after being hit by a container ship. As the only Republican representative from Maryland, Harris has been a key figure in securing federal assistance for the project, which he estimates will cost $2 billion.

“I do believe we will get this bridge fully funded by the federal government,” Harris said, but he acknowledged that several hurdles remain before the funding is secured. This local issue has highlighted Harris’s ability to navigate both national and state-level concerns, balancing his fiscal conservatism with the need to address infrastructure challenges in his district.

Freedom Caucus Pushes Conservative Agenda

The House Freedom Caucus has also been involved in broader legislative battles, including an effort to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. The caucus sought to include the bill in a spending package, but the measure did not gain enough support. Harris praised House Speaker Mike Johnson for bringing the bill to the floor, despite opposition. “The Republicans have to stand up for something, even if we don’t win on every issue,” Harris said, emphasizing the importance of fighting for conservative principles even when success is not guaranteed.

Harris’s tenure as chairman will last through January, and his leadership during this period will be shaped by the results of the Nov. 5 elections. Depending on the outcome, the direction of the Freedom Caucus could shift, with Harris acknowledging that the future of the caucus will depend heavily on the political landscape after the elections.

“We’re at a critical juncture in the Freedom Caucus,” Harris said, reflecting on the importance of the upcoming months. His leadership during this time will be key in determining the role the caucus plays in shaping Republican policy moving forward.

Conclusion

Rep. Andy Harris’s new role as chairman of the House Freedom Caucus comes at a crucial time, as Congress faces significant spending decisions and the potential for a government shutdown.

With his background on the House Appropriations Committee, Harris is well-positioned to influence the direction of the Republican Party's fiscal policy.

His leadership will be tested in the coming months as the Freedom Caucus navigates budget battles, the upcoming elections, and ongoing infrastructure challenges in Maryland.

Harris’s tenure will be defined by his ability to balance conservative principles with pragmatic governance, and the outcome of these debates could shape the party’s approach for years to come.