Important Issues

Disabled Veterans

The Economy

Homeland Security

Prescription Drugs

Social Security

Veterans

Education

Hybrid Vehicles

Hurricane Isabel

Operation Hero Miles

House Democratic Leadership

The Democratic Record vs. Republican Record: A Voter's Guide to the Two Parties' Records

Disabled Veterans Transition Assistance Act of 2004

The Senate has taken up companion legislation to the Disabled Veterans Transition Act of 2004, H.R. 5057. The legislation will help severely wounded troops from Iraq and Afghanistan smoothly transition back into civilian life. Congressman Ruppersberger introduced the House version together with Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Congressman Walter Jones (R-NC) on September 9th, 2004.

The survival rate of American casualties during Operation Iraqi Freedom is higher than in any other war. Seven thousand servicemen and women have been wounded in combat in Iraq. The lawmakers behind this bill believe America must take care of our wounded troops when they come back from the battlefield, and that we must do it today.

The House bill has broad bi-partisan support and has over 70 co-sponsors.   more on HR 5057

Bill Number: HR 5057
Press Release: Introduced in the Senate
Press Release: Introduced in the House

Hybrids: Encouraging Environmentally Friendly Vehicles

Congressman Ruppersberger test drives the new Chevy Silverado Hybrid truck.

Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger and Wayne Gilchrest have sponsored HR 5146, the Common Sense Automobile Efficiency Act of 2004. This bill encourages consumers to purchase environmentally friendly vehicles that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously reducing our country's oil dependence.

The tax incentives provided by this bill would not only save consumers money--but spur market demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles. As people around the country embrace cleaner, more efficient cars, American automobile manufacturers must continue to improve fuel efficiency in order not to lose market share and jobs.   more

Bill Number: HR 5146

Hybrid Vehicle Issues

Implement the 9-11 Commission Report

Dutch Ruppersberger introduces the 9/11 Commission Report Implementation Bill

Congressman Ruppersberger joined a bi-partisan group of lawmakers to introduce the House version of the 9-11 Commission Report Implementation Act.

"This is the right bill at the right time. The 9-11 Commission debated these issues for nearly two years, interviewed more than 1,200 witnesses, reviewed millions of documents, and held a series of public hearings. Now it is time to act!!! The third anniversary of 9-11 is this Saturday. I believe the best way to honor the memory of those lost is to enact this legislation to keep our country safe and help prevent another terrorist attack,"   more

See Also: 9/11 Commission Report Implementation Act of 2004

Related: Families of September 11th

Bill Number: HR 5040

Side by Side Analysis of Intelligence Reforms

At the request of Congressman Ruppersberger, the Congressional Research Service has created a side-by-side comparison of the intelligence reforms proposed by the 911 Commission, the Bush administration, three bills proposed by Senators Feinstein, Graham and Daschle, and two bills proposed by Representatives Harman and Goss.

This document briefly summarizes key reform proposals for the National Intelligence Director, budget responsibility and authority, hire and fire authority, intelligence community structure, information sharing, congressional oversight, management structure and more.

PDF: CRS Side by Side Analysis of Intelligence Reforms

Dutch Calls on Congress to Create Cabinet Level Intelligence Director Immediately

Dutch Calls on Congress to Create Cabinet Level Intelligence Director Immediately

Congressman Ruppersberger attended a Congressional hearing on Tuesday, August 3rd, 2004, to review the 9-11 Commission Recommendations. Congressman Ruppersberger is calling on Congress to create a Cabinet Level Intelligence Director immediately.

Congressman Ruppersberger co-sponsored H.R. 4104, the Intelligence Transformation Act, that creates a Director of National Intelligence with budget and policy authority and a direct line to the President of the United States. The bill was introduced in April, 2004, but has sat on the shelf since then.   more

Related: Ruppersberger Co-Founds Bipartisan 9-11 Commission Caucus

Related: 9-11 Commission Recommendations

Related: 9-11 Commission Caucus

Related: Dear Colleague Letter

Bill Number: HR 4104

Create a Cabinet Level Director of National Intelligence

9-11 Commission Report

Congressman Ruppersberger joined a bi-partisan group of Representatives today to call on Congress to create a Cabinet Level Director of National Intelligence. We should hold hearings on H.R. 4104, the Intelligence Transformation Act, that creates an Intelligence Chief before the 3rd Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks.

The 9-11 Commission Report released today found that there were systemic problem with intelligence sharing across all of the intelligence agencies. The Commission recommended that an Intelligence Chief be created to encourage better integration among the CIA, FBI, NSA, and military intelligence agencies.   more

Bill Number: HR 4104

Stock Option Accounting Reform Act

Congressman Ruppersberger voted for the the Stock Option Accounting Reform Act. He believes the government should not impede the growth of business and should encourage companies to expand and hire new workers. The bill passed by a vote of 312 to 111.

The bill would require that stock options granted to the top five executives at a company be listed as an expense, but would not require that all stock options be expensed.

"We need to ensure that businesses, especially small businesses and high-tech companies, have the tools to attract the most talented workers so these businesses can grow and create more jobs in our communities."   more

Bill Number: HR 3574