In the News

WOOLFORD — Dorchester County crab meat processors recently received a glimmer of hope in an effort to save the Maryland crab season and the entire state crab industry.

Traditionally, Dorchester crab meat processors apply for federal H-2B visas for about 500 guest, seasonal workers, who in the past have come from Mexico.

But with a surge in H-2B applications associated with the rebuild of Texas after last hurricane season, the program, which is capped at 66,000 visas (33,000 for six months), used a lottery to give out visas.

MARYLAND - The House Committee recently approved Congressman Andy Harris' amendment to the Fiscal Year 2019 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill to study the impact of offshore wind.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration must now look at the potential effects of offshore wind projects on marine mammals and fish, as well as the need for any mitigation measures.

Congressman Andy Harris (R) MD-01 said the idea for a study came about when the commercial fishing industry came to him with concerns.

WORCESTER CO., Md. - Delmarva honored the fallen with dozens of ceremonies on Memorial Day from Dover to Exmore.

Hundreds gathered at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Monday morning to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice with an emotional ceremony.

Mike Beatty, a speaker at the event said, "Today we are here at this beautiful Veterans Memorial to pay tribute to our fallen heroes and to recognize the men and women who gave all."

WOOLFORD, Md.- As the crabbing season continues on Delmarva, an additional 15,000 H-2B work visas were approved by the Department of Homeland Security on Friday.

While visiting Worcester County on Monday, Representative Andy Harris said it's a shame Congress waited so long to approve these extra seasonal workers.

We are the Taylors and we operate C.W. Taylor Farms LLC and Taylor's Produce. We are proud of our family farm, our community and our country. We are proud of our farming heritage, since 1928.

One morning in the fall of 2011, IRS agents knocked on our door without warning. They said that we "were not in trouble," but that "they had some questions for us." Our farm is our life, and we operate in full compliance with the law, so we invited them in. We are farmers and we grow/sell vegetables, grain and chickens.

An amendment to legislation has been passed that requests the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to study the effects of offshore wind projects on wildlife offshore Maryland.

The House Committee on Appropriations marked up the FY19 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill earlier in May.

Congressman Andy Harris authored, and the committee passed, an amendment ordering the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) "to study the effects of offshore wind projects on marine mammals and fish, as well as the need for any mitigation measures."

The House has passed a $717 billion defense policy bill that would give the military a 2.6 percent pay hike, the largest in nine years.

The bipartisan 351-66 vote sends the measure to the Senate, where a key panel completed a companion measure in a closed-door session on Wednesday.

The annual measure sets policies and a budget outline for the Pentagon that are funded by a subsequent appropriations bill that typically follows its parameters fairly closely.

The House Committee on Appropriations yesterday, May 16, marked up the FY19 Energy and Water Appropriations bill.

Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. authored, and the committee passed, an amendment to prioritize funding for dredging projects in shallow channels, particularly in channels where shoaling can create hazardous barriers to maritime travel.