C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger

Charles Albert "Dutch" Ruppersberger III  has been a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, representing the 2nd district of the Maryland, since 2003. Ruppersberger was the first Democratic freshman ever to be appointed to the House Select Committee on Intelligence. He was also named an Assistant Whip.

Environmental record
For more information on environmental legislation, see the Energy and Environment Policy Portal

Background
Ruppersberger was born January 31, 1946. He attended Baltimore City College and the University of Maryland, College Park, where he played varsity lacrosse. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore Law School.

Ruppersberger began his career in public service as a Baltimore County, Maryland Assistant State's Attorney. He was promoted to Chief of the State's Attorney Office Investigative Division, pursuing organized crime, political corruption, and drug trafficking. He was elected to the Baltimore County Council in 1985 and was twice chosen as council chairman.

In 1975, Ruppersberger's political career was spurred after a near-fatal car accident while investigating a drug trafficking case. With luck and the dedication of doctors at the University of Maryland's Shock Trauma center, he survived. After recovering, the young State's Attorney decided to run for public office to help others and to repay Shock Trauma for saving his life. Today, he remains an active supporter of the hospital, serving as Vice Chairman of the hospital's Board of Visitors.

Congressional Career
In December 1994 and again in 1998, Ruppersberger was elected Baltimore County Executive, serving until 2002 when he chose to run for the House of Representatives. He was first elected to the House in 2002.

2006 elections
In 2006, the Republicans nominated James Dunn Mathis to face Ruppersberger in his November 2006 bid for reelection. (See U.S. congressional elections in 2006) Ruppersberger retained his seat.

Positions and Views
Ruppersberger's campaign promises included creating jobs and rebuilding the economy in Maryland and across the country. He also aims to improve health care and to aide senior citizens by providing quality, affordable and accessible healthcare and prescription drugs. The Congressman considers one of his highest priorities to improve the security of the United States and to direct fiscal energies towards "first responders", such as the police and fire departments.

Money in politics
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Committees in the 110th Congress (2007-2008)

 * House Committee on Appropriations
 * Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science
 * Subcommittee on Financial Services
 * Subcommittee on Legislative Branch
 * House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

Committee assignments in the 109th Congress (2005-2006)

 * House Committee on Government Reform
 * Subcommittee on Criminal Justice Drug Policy and Human Resources
 * Subcommittee on National Security Emerging Threats and International Relations
 * House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
 * Subcommittee on Oversight
 * Subcommittee on Terrorism/HUMINT Analysis and Counterintelligence
 * Subcommittee on Technical and Tactical Intelligence

Coalitions and Caucuses

 * Co-Chair, Congressional Port Security Caucus
 * Democratic Steering and Policy Committee

Boards and other Affiliations

 * Board of Visitors Vice Chair, University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center.

Articles and Resources

 * Official website
 * Open Secrets - 2006 congressional races database