C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger: “on the issue of first-line responders, I was a former Baltimore County Executive. Baltimore County is a county of over…”

“on the issue of first-line responders, I was a former Baltimore County Executive. Baltimore County is a county of over 750,000 people. The Second District that I represent has BWI Airport and the Port of Baltimore. We are very much concerned about the issue of the monies being put into the budget as it relates to first responders. One of the most important issues that we have if there is another terrorist attack, which we understand there will be, is that we need to be prepared. Our police officers and our firefighters are the first responders. Not only do they need to be protected themselves, but if they are not protected, they will not be able to protect our citizens. So we urge the President and urge Congress to move forward with the monies that are necessary to make sure that we secure our homeland.”