The Hill News

Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.) has won the top Democratic post on the House intelligence committee, according to several House sources.

Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) tapped Ruppersberger for the panel even though Rep. Silvestre Reyes (D-Texas) served as chairman of the panel during the past two Congresses and wanted to remain in the top spot.

Several other members of the panel also wanted the job, including Reps. Anna Eshoo (Calif.) and Rush Holt (N.J.). The Democratic Steering Committee chooses most committee chairmen, but Pelosi has the sole role in naming the ranking member of the intelligence panel.

Many political observers had expected Pelosi to hand the gavel to Eshoo, a good friend and fellow California, but the position will be particularly useful to Ruppersberger, whose district includes the National Security Agency and Fort Meade and has become a
hub for government contractors involved in intelligence w! ork.

Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.), who chairs the intelligence committee, welcomed Ruppersberger to the top Democratic slot.

"Dutch is a solid leader. His dedication and talent will serve the Committee and country well,” Rogers said. “I look forward to working with Dutch to foster the strong bipartisan energy we need to lead this committee in our oversight responsibilities and to keep America safe. And it never hurts to have a former prosecutor on your team.”

The panel conducts oversight of the sprawling intelligence community and is also privy to secretive information about U.S. anti-terrorism strategy and war-gaming, making it a desirable post for many lawmakers.