Ruppersberger Named Chairman of Intel Subcommittee

(Washington, D.C.)- Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) has been named as the new Chairman of the Subcommittee on Technical and Tactical Intelligence.   The Subcommittee has primary oversight over the National Security Agency (NSA) at Fort Meade, Maryland, satellite and technical systems vital to intelligence collection, and other military intelligence programs.  NSA is the largest employer in Maryland with more than 20,000 workers.   

“Good intelligence is the best defense against terrorism.  America is the most powerful country in the world in part because we control the skies.  We have the best scientists, researchers, engineers, and technical experts working with the best satellites and technology available to keep our country safe.  We must stay a step ahead of other countries.  This will take resources.  I believe we must give these professionals the resources and technology they need to get the job done.  I plan to help make this happen as the Chairman of the Technical and Tactical Subcommittee,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).         

Published reports say China has been able to successfully destroy a satellite while in orbit.  Congressman Ruppersberger believes America must improve its technology by finding ways to better protect US satellites.  Under Congressman Ruppersberger’s leadership, the Technical and Tactical Subcommittee will conduct more aggressive oversight of existing intelligence programs.  The Subcommittee will oversee the operations of agencies and offices charged with providing imagery intelligence (IMINT), signals intelligence (SIGINT), measurement and signatures intelligence (MASINT), space-based and airborne collection, and intelligence from tactical military assets. 

One of the Subcommittee’s highest priorities is ensuring that U.S. military personnel on the front lines have access to timely, accurate, and actionable intelligence in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations around the world.  The Subcommittee will assess if the U.S. Government is fully and effectively using all of its current capabilities while at the same time developing new ones.  It will also examine the quality of intelligence assessments, capabilities and vulnerabilities of information technology (IT) systems, and NSA’s efforts to modernize its world-wide infrastructure.

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