WASHINGTON (April 15, 2009)--Some Republicans including Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock, are criticizing a Homeland Security Department intelligence assessment, saying it unfairly characterizes military veterans as right-wing extremists and that warns that right-wing extremists could use the ailing U.S. economy and the election of the country's first black president to recruit members.

The assessment also said that returning military veterans who have difficulties assimilating back into their home communities could be susceptible to extremist recruiters or might engage in lone acts of violence.

“This is an outrageous “assessment” of extremism and it gives the appearance that the administration is politicizing homeland security issues to generate fear about people and groups that disagree with their policies,” Carter said.

“Genuine threat assessments are one thing, but there is a line that distinguishes between an actual threat versus citizens simply exercising their constitutional right to free speech in speaking out against this Administration's reckless public policies."

House Republican leader John Boehner says he wants the Homeland Security Department to apologize to veterans.

The agency's intelligence assessment went to law enforcement officials last week.