US congressional intelligence chair warns of ‘serious national security threat’
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Two sources familiar with the issue said Representative Mike Turner’s cryptic warning was related to Russia and operations in space.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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WASHINGTON - The chairman of the United States House of Representatives intelligence committee issued an unusual cryptic statement on Feb 14, saying the committee had made available to all members of Congress information about an unspecified “serious national security threat” that sources said was related to Russia.
“I am requesting that President Biden declassify all information relating to this threat so that Congress, the Administration, and our allies can openly discuss the actions necessary to respond to this threat,” Representative Mike Turner said in the statement.
He provided no further information, and his office did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.
Two sources familiar with the issue said Mr Turner’s statement was related to Russia and operations in space, without providing further details on what was described as a highly classified matter.
House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters at the Capitol there was no need for public alarm.
“Steady hands are at the wheel. We’re working on it and there’s no need for alarm,” he said.
Mr Jake Sullivan, President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, declined to provide specifics.
He said he had arranged a briefing for Feb 15 with congressional leaders and that he was surprised by Mr Turner’s decision to issue the statement.
“That’s been on the books so I am a bit surprised that Congressman Turner came out publicly today, in advance of a meeting on the books, for me to go sit with him alongside our intelligence and defence professionals tomorrow,” Mr Sullivan told a briefing.
“I’m not in a position to say anything further today. Like I said, I look forward to the discussion with (Mr Turner) and obviously from there we will determine how to proceed, but standing here at the podium today I can’t share anything further,” Mr Sullivan said.
Mr Turner’s statement was released as the Biden administration has been ramping up its criticism of House Republicans for possibly blocking a US$95 billion (S$128 billion) Bill passed by the Senate
Supporters of the Bill argue that a major reason for the United States to back the government in Kyiv is to push back against threats from Russia that extend beyond Ukraine.
Mr Sullivan made clear that he had initiated the meeting with the Gang of Eight scheduled for Feb 15.
The Gang of Eight refers to the Republican and Democratic leaders of the House and Senate, and the top Republican and Democrat on the House and Senate intelligence committees. REUTERS
