The Democratic House leadership appointed U.S. Rep. Martin Sabo, D-Minn., along with 24 other Democratic House members, to the Democratic Caucus’ new Homeland Security Task Force on Wednesday.

The homeland security group, as well as an economic task force, were created by the caucus to deal with the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks and prevent further terrorist action.

“The Homeland Security Task Force will work to resolve issues related to domestic security,” said Sabo press secretary Travis Talvitie.

Since the attacks, suggestions for such a task force have been sent to government officials.

Many feel the new security force should be trained in counterterrorism and bomb detection.

President George W. Bush also created a cabinet position for the secretary of homeland defense and appointed former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge to the office.

Homeland Security Task Force members, chaired by Robert Menendez, D-N.J., were chosen based on expertise and interest, said caucus spokesman Tom Eisenhauer.

The Republican Conference has not, as of Wednesday, set up a task force like the Democratic Caucus has, Eisenhauer said.

The task force will commence immediately, but the first meeting date was not known, Talvitie said.

Sabo was first elected to Congress in 1978 and was a member of the National Security Subcommittee.

Talvitie also said Sabo is looking forward to “diving right into” the group’s work.

“The horrific acts of terrorism on Sept. 11 have revealed the need to review our domestic security,” Sabo said in a written statement.

“The Homeland Security Task Force will draw on the wide experience in Congress to develop appropriate measures that best preserve our freedom and prosperity.”

Maggie Hessel-Mial welcomes comments at [email protected] and at (612) 627-4070 x3224