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Harris Applauds HHS Reversal of Exorbitant Fees on Distillers

January 2, 2021

WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Andy Harris, M.D., today applauded the decision to reverse thousands of dollars in unexpected end-of-year fees assessed on distilleries across Maryland and the nation who had so graciously converted their operations to hand sanitizer production during the pandemic. Previously, the Food and Drug Administration planned to charge fees in excess of $14,000 on distilleries who produced hand sanitizer last year.

Congressman Harris issued the following statement:

"The FDA's planned action to punish small businesses across the country for stepping up during such a trying time for our nation is the clearest example of a bureaucracy that is out of touch with the needs of everyday Americans. Thankfully, President Trump and the Department of Health and Human Services made clear that they would not allow these fees and will formally rescind this action. I thank the President for intervening and reversing this terrible decision. These business owners, including several in the First Congressional District, stepped up during difficult times for the good of our nation and deserve our thanks, not a bureaucratic end-of-the-year surprise bill."

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Issues:Economy