(Washington, DC) – Congressmen C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) and John Carter (R-TX) will serve as co-chairs of the prestigious House Army Caucus for the 113th Congressional session, their offices announced today. The Caucus includes more than 100 members from both parties and works to educate their fellow House Members on Army needs, and advocate for those needs in the legislative process. 

Ruppersberger, who has served on the caucus since 2007, will replace outgoing Congressman Silvestre Reyes as the Democratic co-chair. His district is home to two Army bases: Fort Meade and Aberdeen Proving Ground. Ruppersberger is the Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee and is a former member of the House Armed Services Committee.

“Knowledge is power,” Ranking Member Ruppersberger said. “It’s imperative that all Members of Congress understand and appreciate the work that the Army does for our country so that we can ensure the men and women in uniform have the resources they need to keep us safe. This is an honor and responsibility I will take seriously.” 

Carter – whose district includes the Army’s largest base, Fort Hood – has served as Republican co-chair of the caucus since 2009. He is Chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, and also sits on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee.

“At this especially stressful time for the Army, due to sequestration, we must have a strong bipartisan voice to support the needs of our soldiers and their families,” Chairman Carter said.  “This Caucus can and should continue to provide that support, and I am very honored to serve as Co-Chair for the 113th Congress.”