WASHINGTON ( CNN ) -- The Department of Homeland Security will never monitor ideology or political beliefs , the head of the agency said Wednesday , responding to criticism of a recent report on right-wing extremist groups . Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano says the U.S. will never monitor ideology or political beliefs . `` Let me be very clear : We monitor the risks of violent extremism taking root here in the United States , '' Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said in a written statement . `` We do n't have the luxury of focusing our efforts on one group ; we must protect the country from terrorism whether foreign or homegrown and regardless of the ideology that motivates its violence . '' The report , `` Right-wing Extremism : Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment , '' said right-wing extremist groups may be using the recession and the election of the nation 's first African-American president to recruit members . The report , which was prepared in coordination with the FBI , was published last week . It was distributed to federal , state and local law enforcement officials . Mainstream media picked up the story after it was reported by conservative bloggers . Watch more on the DHS assessment » . Though the nine-page report said it had `` no specific information that domestic right-wing terrorists are currently planning acts of violence , '' it said real-estate foreclosures , unemployment and tight credit `` could create a fertile recruiting environment for right-wing extremists and even result in confrontations between such groups and government authorities similar to those in the past . '' The report compared the current climate with that of the 1990s , saying a recession , criticism over outsourcing of jobs and a perceived threat to U.S. power at that time fueled a resurgence of right-wing extremism . However , it said , `` Despite similarities to the climate of the 1990s , the threat posed by lone wolves and small terrorist cells is more pronounced than in past years . '' It warned that the groups may use proposed restrictions on firearms and the debate on immigration as recruiting tools , and said the groups may try to reach out to veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan . `` The willingness of a small percentage of military personnel to join extremist groups during the 1990s because they were disgruntled , disillusioned or suffering from the psychological effects of war is being replicated today , '' the report said . It noted that Timothy McVeigh , the bomber of the Oklahoma City federal building in 1995 , was a military veteran . Radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh decried the report on Tuesday , saying , `` There is not one instance they can cite as evidence where any of these right-wing groups have done anything , '' according to a transcript of his remarks on his Web site . `` You have a report from Janet Napolitano and Barack Obama , Department of Homeland Security portraying standard , ordinary , everyday conservatives as posing a bigger threat to this country than al Qaeda terrorists or genuine enemies of this country like Kim Jong Il , '' he said , referring to the leader of North Korea . Michael Savage , another conservative commentator , also criticized the report . `` What does Big Sis say these right-wingers are concerned about ? '' he wrote on his Web site , referring to Napolitano . `` Illegal aliens , the increasing power of the federal government , gun grabs , abortion and the loss of U.S. national sovereignty . In other words , anyone who is worried about preserving our borders , language and culture is on Big Sis ' watch list . '' In her Wednesday statement , Napolitano said the agency is on `` the lookout for criminal and terrorist activity but we do not -- nor will we ever -- monitor ideology or political beliefs . '' She said she was briefed on the general topic , which `` struck a nerve as someone personally involved in the Timothy McVeigh prosecution . '' Napolitano said she intends to meet with American Legion National Commander David K. Rehbein , who sent her a letter Monday stating his concern about the report . `` Timothy McVeigh was only one of more than 42 million veterans who have worn this nation 's uniform during wartime , '' he wrote . `` To continue to use McVeigh as an example of the stereotypical 'disgruntled military veteran ' is as unfair as using Osama bin Laden as the sole example of Islam . '' He added , `` I think it is important for all of us to remember that Americans are not the enemy . The terrorists are . '' Napolitano said in her statement that she will tell Rehbein that the Department of Homeland Security honors veterans and employs thousands , including Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute . The Obama administration in January issued a warning about left-wing extremists . Both reports were initiated during the administration of President George W. Bush . CNN 's Jeanne Meserve contributed to this story .
Homeland secretary : U.S. will not monitor ideology , political beliefs . Agency released a report on April 7 warning about right-wing extremism . Report : `` no specific information '' on violent plans by domestic right-wing terrorists . Report about left-wing extremists released in January ; both reports initiated by Bush .