Congressman Andy Harris Full Speech on Vote to End the Government Shutdown

"I rise today in support of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5371, which will finally put an end to the Democrat-led government shutdown. Millions of Americans have suffered because the Democrats refused to reopen the government - including those who depend on SNAP benefits, federal workers, border patrol agents, and our troops who were uncertain about their next paycheck.

This legislation extends government funding to the end of January 2026, thereby blocking attempts to force an omnibus at the last minute before Christmas. It also includes the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Republicans have effectively locked in disciplined, flat spending levels while supporting the Trump Administration's policy priorities. The Agriculture bill provides $26.65 billion in discretionary spending, which is level with current amounts while also including Community Project Funding.

This bill provides critical funding to support America's farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. It ensures both USDA and FDA can safeguard our nation's food and drug supply and fully funds nutrition programs, including SNAP and WIC.

Additionally, the bill closes the hemp loophole that has resulted in the spread of unregulated intoxicating hemp-derived products that are being sold online and in gas stations and corner stores across the country. Many of these products are accessible and attractive to children, resulting in thousands of calls to U.S. poison control centers, with more than 30% involving children age 5 years and younger. The provision is supported by 39 State Attorneys General and over 81 national and state public health, medical, law enforcement and other organizations.

It's beyond disappointing that our colleagues on the other side of the aisle will soon be voting to continue the chaos and uncertainty of a government shutdown. But this is what responsible Republican governance looks like: we stared down radical Democrats' outrageous demands and held the line for American taxpayers.

I want to thank Appropriations Committee Chairman Cole for his leadership throughout this process, and I strongly encourage my colleagues to support this legislation."

To view the full speech, click here.