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Congressman Bill Posey (R-Rockledge) released the following statement regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s report on “Rightwing Extremism”:

“I agree with America’s veterans groups who have stepped up to condemn the way this DHS report criticizes our nation’s veterans returning from defending this nation abroad. Also, singling out as potential terrorists those who are involved with groups that focus primarily on pro-life issues, opposition to illegal immigration, defending the second amendment, or supporting a smaller and less obtrusive federal government is offensive to millions of Americans.

“This report gives the appearance that the Department of Homeland Security is spending taxpayer money to investigate Americans that disagree with its political ideology. If there is ‘no specific information that domestic rightwing terrorists are currently planning acts of violence,’ then why the report? And, why release it at a time when over a million Americans peacefully rallied across the nation to show disapproval with out of control government spending and proposed tax policies?

“One of the basic principles upon which our nation was founded was the right to free speech and association. For the federal government to assert that individuals with views that are not in line with the new Administration undermines these principles.

“I believe that many Americans, particularly our veterans returning from defending this nation, are owed an explanation.”