Maryland congressional Democrats endorsed a $1.2 trillion spending package to avert a partial government shutdown, while Republican Rep. Andy Harris of the 1st Congressional District said it contained wasteful spending.
Maryland’s seven Democratic U.S. House members voted for the package of six federal funding bills that headed to the Senate earlier Friday in advance of a midnight deadline. Harris, who represents Harford County, the Eastern Shore and part of Baltimore County, voted against it.
“After months of chaos orchestrated by House Republicans, I am relieved to vote for this package, which will end the cycle of uncertainty and finally ensure all federal agencies are funded to carry out their critical missions through the end of Fiscal Year 2024,” said Democratic Rep. John Sarbanes, whose district includes Howard County and parts of Anne Arundel and Carroll counties.
But Harris said Republicans had little time to review the package and that it “contains wasteful and inflation-fueling spending and makes the illegal immigration crisis at our Southern Border even worse.”