Hoyer Statement on the Retirement of Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) issued the following statement after Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-02) announced that he will not run for re-election in 2024:

“Whether as an assistant state's attorney, Baltimore County Councilman, Baltimore County Executive, or a Member of the House of Representatives, my dear friend Dutch Ruppersberger has been an indispensable member of Team Maryland for four decades. Our entire Maryland Delegation and many others on Capitol Hill will be sad to see Dutch go at the end of the 118th Congress.

“Dutch is the type of person you want representing you in Congress. He entered politics out of a genuine desire to improve the lives of Marylanders, wanting to ensure they had access to the same life-saving care he received after he was in a near-fatal car crash. Dutch has made tremendous progress in that mission. He has delivered for the people of Maryland's Second District, expanding affordable health-care access, building safer communities, supporting veterans and military families, and much more.

“Dutch has also made invaluable contributions to America's national security. He has been a crucial advocate in Congress for the National Security Agency (NSA), which was headquartered in his district for most of his career. During his record 12 years on the House Intelligence Committee, he ensured that the Intelligence Community could respond effectively to pressing threats facing our nation. That included supporting the hunt for Osama Bin Laden and other notorious terrorist leaders. Dutch continues to uphold America's national security through his work on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

“I have always enjoyed working with Dutch in the House not only because he's a close friend but because he's a man of strong character, great vision, and sound judgement. He knows how to break through the partisan fray we so often see in Washington with honesty, common sense, and bipartisanship. Congress needs more leaders like Dutch today. He has my gratitude, and I wish him, his wife Kay, and their incredible family well.”