Yesterday, House Republicans agreed to create a permanent Homeland Security Committee. The committee, however, is being ridiculed by critics fearing that the the proposal is riddled with limitations that will undermine the purpose of putting homeland security jurisdiction under one committee as recommended by the September 11 commission.

The new committee would have jurisdiction over the Transportation Security Administration, border security, infrastructure protection and some Customs functions. It does not include the Coast Guard, for example, which still falls under Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Congressman Christopher Cox (R- California) who will remain chairman of the committee said he was satisfied with the jurisdiction even though it falls short of full jurisdiction.