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Charles Albert "Dutch" Ruppersberger III (born January 31 1946) is a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, representing the 2nd district of the State of Maryland since 2003.
Personal Information
Ruppersberger 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.
The Congressman has been married for 34 years to his wife, Kay Ruppersberger. Together they have two grown children, Corey and Jill.
Political Career
Ruppersberger's political career was spurred after a near-fatal car accident in 1975 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.
Ruppersberger began his career in public service as a Baltimore County, Maryland Assistant State's Attorney. Once there, it didn't take long for a promotion 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.
Ruppersberger was elected County Executive of Baltimore County Maryland in December 1994 and was elected again in 1998. He served until 2002, at which time he ran for the House of Representatives.
Rep. Ruppersberger was the first Democratic freshman ever to be appointed to the House Select Committee on Intelligence. He was also hand-picked by the Democratic Leadership and named an Assistant Whip. In this position Ruppersberger meets regularly with the House leadership to set legislative priorities and to ensure the passage of key measures.
Ruppersberger aims to create jobs and rebuild the economy in Maryland and across the country. He also aims to improve healthcare 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.
Rep. Ruppersberger currently serves on the following U.S. House committes:
- Member of the Democratic Steering Committee; freshman class representative.
- Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
- Member of the House Committee on Government Reform.
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