Family Life

04.24.09 | FL News Team

A growing number of conservatives are calling for Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to resign. The firestorm began earlier this month when a Department of Homeland Security report suggested terrorist groups might try to recruit right-wing extremists and veterans of the U.S. military. Napolitano's apologies, which have called the report poorly written, have gotten a lukewarm reception from critics.

Secretary Napolitano has also been slammed over comments she made Monday that seemed to suggest the al-Qaeda terrorists who carried out the September 11th attacks may have crossed into the United States from Canada. She has since issued a statement saying, "I know that the September 11th hijackers did not come through Canada to the United States." But Senator John McCain apparently agrees with the secretary's original statement, although he says the focus should be on securing the Mexican border.

While it appears that she may have McCain at least partially in her corner, yesterday Republican Congressman Michael Burgess said he doesn't think Napolitano "understands the depth of the disruption that she's caused." The Texas lawmaker said, "I think the appropriate thing to do is for her to step down and let's move on." His comments came on the heels of an incident on Capitol Hill Wednesday when several GOP legislators called for her ouster on the House floor.

Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann also suggested she should have to defend herself before a Congressional hearing.  Napolitano is scheduled to discuss the controversial report with leaders of the American Legion today.