Since 1878, it has been a crime to deploy Federal troops as enforcers of civilian law. During debate on a bill which would consolidate twenty-six federal agencies into a new Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Congressman Rogers (DKY) proposed legislation which would have authorized the secretary of DHS to establish a Joint Interagency Security Task Force to assist in domestic law enforcement activities. Progressives opposed the Roger's amendment because, in their view, the roles of the military and law enforcement in protecting the U.S. should remain distinct. Allowing military involvement in domestic law enforcement, Progressives worried, would reduce civil liberties because servicemen are not trained to enforce civilian law. Moreover, Progressives voiced concerns that the military could be used for political ends in civilian matters and thereby produce a repressive, totalitarian state. Despite opposition from Progressives, Rogers' amendment was adopted on a 240-188 vote.