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Federal offices give delegation appropriations, staffing and policy updates; Harris office flags right‑whale rule reversal
Summary
Federal staff told the Eastern Shore Delegation the FY‑25 appropriations deadline is March 14 and offered webinars and technical assistance on congressionally directed spending; Rep. Andy Harris’ staff outlined recent rulemaking developments related to North Atlantic right whales and flagged district priorities.
Staff from U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen’s office briefed the Eastern Shore Delegation on the federal appropriations calendar and congressionally directed spending support, while staff from Rep. Andy Harris discussed regional concerns including the recent NOAA Fisheries withdrawal of a proposed North Atlantic right whale vessel‑speed rule.
Elisa Hastings, representing Sen. Van Hollen, said the federal government was operating under a continuing resolution and that the appropriations deadline was March 14. She said Sen. Van Hollen is working to ensure congressionally directed spending requests for the Eastern Shore remain viable as the FY‑25 appropriations process proceeds. Hastings said the senator’s office will host webinars explaining the congressionally directed spending process for nonprofits and local governments and that recordings will be available.
Nut graf: Federal staff used the delegation meeting to remind members that FY‑25 deadlines remain several weeks out and to offer technical assistance on congressionally directed spending requests; staff from Rep. Harris’ office also flagged policy developments that the delegation may want to track.
Harris office remarks and vessel‑speed rule
A staff member from Rep. Andy Harris’s office (identified in the meeting as Jackie) thanked DNR for cooperation on blue catfish and noted Rep. Harris has been monitoring the avian influenza issue. The Harris office said NOAA Fisheries had withdrawn a proposed vessel‑speed reduction rule (aimed at reducing North Atlantic right whale vessel strikes) that would have capped speeds for vessels larger than 35 feet at 10 knots in proposed areas; the staff member said the congressman supported the withdrawal because of potential economic consequences for the district while noting the need to protect the whales.
The Harris office noted the congressman’s recent committee assignments and policy priorities that may affect appropriations and constituent concerns; staff urged the delegation to contact the office for assistance with constituent matters and federal projects.
Ending: Delegation members requested follow‑up on staffing for incoming Sen. Angela Alsobrooks’ Eastern Shore liaison; Van Hollen staff said that hiring was underway and that the senator’s office would announce a liaison soon.
