House Intelligence Committee chairman says Congress recognizes 'grave national security threat'

politics

by josh christenson and steven nelson

WASHINGTON—Russia wants to deploy nuclear weapons in space to destroy Western satellites, according to a new U.S. intelligence agency calling it a “grave national security threat.”

This dire possibility comes as fervent Ukraine advocates in the U.S. tried to pressure House leaders to allow a vote on $60 billion in aid to Kiev to prevent a Russian invasion, which has been stalled for two years. It became clear.

The Kremlin has not yet launched a nuclear weapon into orbit, but it is interested in doing so, ABC and the New York Times reported Wednesday afternoon, citing leaks from current and former U.S. officials.

The report said the unprecedented deployment would not be aimed at dropping atomic bombs on Earth, but rather at attacking enemy satellites and potentially cutting off communications.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner, who just returned from a trip to Ukraine just days ago, publicly stated on Wednesday morning that members of Congress had received “information regarding a significant national security threat,” sparking feverish speculation. caused.

He called on President Biden to “declassify all information related to this threat so that Congress, the Administration, and our allies can openly discuss the actions needed to address this threat.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson had been hesitant to provide additional aid to Ukraine, citing concerns about local corruption and a lack of answers from the White House about U.S. goals in the conflict, but soon I tried to allay concerns.

Johnson (R-Louisiana) said Americans “don't need to be alarmed” by the information mentioned by Turner (R-Ohio).

“Last month, I wrote to the White House requesting a meeting with the president to discuss important national security issues that are classified,” Johnson told reporters at the Capitol.

“In response to that letter, a meeting on this issue is scheduled tomorrow between the Group of Four and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan here on Capitol Hill,” he added. Receive periodic briefings on highly confidential information.

“I will urge the government to take the appropriate steps so everyone can feel safe.”

Johnson added, “I want to assure the American people that there is no need for public alarm. We will work together to address this issue, just as we address all classified matters that are classified.” Beyond that, I am not at liberty to disclose any confidential information, and in fact I cannot say anything more than that.”

But one Hill source told the Post that the information was “urgent” and concerned potential foreign military capabilities.

The intelligence committee voted this week to make the content available to all members of the House of Representatives, the sources added. He added that the content of the mysterious warning would soon become public, as the chamber's members are notoriously loose-lipped.

A commission spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for further information.

The United States and Russia, which do not have nuclear weapons in space, are both parties to the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which states that the signatories do not “place in Earth orbit objects carrying nuclear weapons or other types of weapons of mass destruction.” It is prohibited to do that. ”

However, countries can withdraw from such agreements. For example, former President Donald Trump suspended U.S. participation in an arms control agreement with Russia that restricted the deployment of intermediate-range nuclear weapons, citing Russia's noncompliance.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said Wednesday night that the most pressing national security threat facing Americans today is that Congress has abandoned Ukraine and President Vladimir Putin's Russia “There is a possibility that we will allow the United States to win.''

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan expressed frustration Wednesday that Turner brought the matter to the public when a briefing to the group of eight was scheduled for Thursday.

But he declined to say whether it was a foreign military threat or whether he could assure Americans there was nothing to worry about.

“In some ways, it's impossible to answer that question with a straight 'yes,''' Professor Sullivan said at a regular White House press briefing.

But Sullivan said, “I stand at this podium and look myself in the eyes with confidence and believe that we can, will, and will protect the national security of the United States.'' I claim that there is,” he added.

Sullivan emphasized that Turner's declassification request was “ultimately” President Biden's decision.

Senators from the eight-member group who were scheduled to receive further information similarly remained silent.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) told the Post, “I am aware of the threat, but I cannot comment on sensitive matters.”

Asked if Americans should be worried, Schumer said: “That's all I'm saying.”

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Vice-Chairman Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) said in a joint statement Tuesday afternoon that the committee “is in possession of the information in question. “We have been following this issue closely from the beginning.” ”

“We continue to take this matter seriously and are consulting with the government on appropriate responses,” Warner and Rubio said in a statement. “In the meantime, we must be cautious about potentially disclosing information sources or methods that could be key to preserving a wide range of U.S. options for action.”

A pending $60 billion in additional U.S. aid to Ukraine passed the Senate on Tuesday morning as part of a broader $95 billion foreign aid package. Congress previously appropriated $113 billion in aid to Ukraine.

House Speaker Johnson requested a meeting with Biden to discuss the war before deciding whether to take a floor vote.