One of the most tangible differences between a Democratic and Republican led House of Representatives is what will be the priorities of the new chairman of a host of committees.

For Peter King, the Long Island Republican Congressman, it's about using his power as the chair of the Homeland Security Committee to host hearings, beginning this Thursday, on the threat of homegrown Islamic terrorism.

Critics say the hearings should focus on more than just Muslims. One of only a couple of actual Muslims in Congress, Minnesota Democratic Congressman Keith Ellison, debated the issue with King yesterday on CNN's State of the Union.

One of the key aspects that Candy Crowley focuses on the same issue that advocates for undocumented immigrants offer. That is, that looking at the Muslim community as being possible terrorists hurts law enforcement get cooperation from that community.

King also offered criticism at his fellow Republicans cutting funding for Homeland Security.

This article appears in Mar 3-9, 2011.