Port and Maritime Security

I am fighting to protect the needs of every American who utilizes our ports, travels on our waterways and enjoys the unobstructed flow of commerce. We must be smart about security to keep things moving.
- Congressman C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger

Congressman Ruppersberger is considered a port security expert by his colleagues on and off the Hill:

  • Serves on the Congressional Port Security Caucus, a bi-partisan, bi-cameral caucus designed to keep members and their staff informed about port and maritime security initiatives on and off the Hill;  provides a forum for industry, academic and international professionals to share their thoughts about security with Congress and allows lawmakers to educate the maritime community about current initiatives
  • The 2nd District includes the Port of Baltimore, one of Maryland’s biggest economic engines, generating $1.5 billion in annual revenue
  • The 2nd District includes Sector Baltimore, one of the U.S. Coast Guard’s 30-plus command centers, providing safety, security, accessibility and environmental protection for the Chesapeake Bay and National Capital Region; its one-of-a-kind Coast Guard Yard proudly “services the fleet” by maintaining and repairing aging Coast Guard vessels

As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations and its Subcommittee on Homeland Security, Congressman Ruppersberger is in a position to fight for the resources we need to strengthen our security infrastructure and keep our ports open for business:

  • Secured more than $9 billion for the U.S. Coast Guard to improve our port security and marine safety by helping to stop the flow of illegal drugs into the country
  • Secured $3.5 billion to fully fund 20,019 Border Patrol agents who protect the U.S. border as well as intellectual property rights by seizing fraudulent and counterfeit goods as they enter the country via cargo containers on ships
  • Supported increased funding for First Responder Grant Programs, including port Security grants, state grants, SAFER grants and money for Maryland’s Emergency Operation Center