Rep. Andy Harris, of Maryland, is one of the 12 Cardinals on the Appropriations Committee, so he has extensive knowledge and influence when it comes to the Appropriations process, continuing resolutions, and funding the government. Originally, the “laddered CR” was his brainchild because he felt that it would avoid a Christmas omnibus and incentivize the Senate to pass individual bills or smaller groups of bills. His statement after the news that Speaker Johnson adopted this approach is below. He voted against the last CR put forward by McCarthy because he felt it would lead to an omnibus. He is also a Freedom Caucus member. He will vote in favor of this CR because he believes it marks a change to the way Washington does business and will set the Appropriations process back on the right track. He is also the only Republican in Congress representing Maryland.