WASHINGTON, D.C. — With the terror alert at high and the nation at war with Iraq, U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge has been appointed to two subcommittees of the House Select Committee on Homeland Security.

The Democrat from Lillington will work to keep North Carolina and the nation safe and prepared. He was named to the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness and Response and the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Reearch and Development.

"During this tense and difficult time for our nation, I take the responsibilities of these subcommittees very seriously," Etheridge said. "I will use these positions to continue to fight for North Carolina's first responders, the folks on the front lines protecting our hometowns. This new committee will ensure that the new Department of Homeland Security quickly implements effective plans that protect North Carolina and our hometowns."

The Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness and Response will deal with preparation for and response to chemical, biological, radiological and other attacks on civilian populations. It also will look at public-health issues, coordination among federal, state and local governments and disaster preparedness.

The Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Science and Research and Development will be responsible for the security of computer, telecommunications, information technology and electric infrastructure, as well as keeping government and private networks from cyberattack.

The 48 members of the House Select Committee on Homeland Security were selected based on their substantive expertise in the many areas such as intelligence, cybersecurity, border and port security, public health and emergency preparedness that together comprise the mission of the Homeland Security Department.

Etheridge is the only North Carolinian serving on the committee.