House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) issued a statement on Wednesday to address concerns regarding a potential national security threat, aiming to provide reassurance to the American public.
Earlier on Wednesday, House Intelligence Committee chair Mike Turner (R-Ohio) publicly urged President Joe Biden to declassify information regarding a significant national security concern.
In the midst of increasing speculation about the potential threat, Johnson organized a press gathering in the Capitol to announce that he, along with other Hill leaders, would be meeting Biden at the White House on Thursday to address the issue.
“I came across Chairman Turner’s statement regarding the issue, and I would like to reassure the American people that there is no cause for public alarm,” Johnson stated.
“We will collaborate to tackle this issue, just like we handle all sensitive matters that are classified,” he continued. “And besides that, I’m unable to share classified information and can’t provide many details. However, rest assured that capable individuals are in control. We’re actively addressing the situation and there’s no cause for concern.
Silent Response to Criticism on President’s Competence by Johnson and Turner
Johnson declined to answer any questions. Turner also declined to engage with the media. The speaker’s confidence in the leadership abilities was quite remarkable.
Earlier on Wednesday, in relation to the Justice Department’s special counsel investigation into the president’s mishandling of classified material, Johnson criticized the president’s competence, citing concerns about his age and memory.
“Someone who cannot be held accountable for mishandling classified information is clearly unsuitable for the highest office,” Johnson remarked.
Turner has been advocating for the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, highlighting the broad powers it grants intelligence agencies to conduct surveillance on foreigners without a warrant.
The law has sparked controversy among certain Republicans and Democrats who express concerns regarding privacy.
Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) implied on social media that Turner’s alleged threat was a ploy to sway lawmakers into supporting the reauthorization. The House had originally planned to vote on Turner’s bill this week, but Johnson’s office announced on Wednesday afternoon that the vote had been postponed.
“It’s quite peculiar how this is happening just as we’re working towards putting an end to government surveillance without warrants,” remarked Biggs.
According to undisclosed sources, ABCNews reported on Wednesday that there is a potential threat involving Russia deploying a nuclear weapon in space with the intention of targeting and destroying satellites.
During a press briefing at the White House, Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, expressed his surprise at Turner’s decision to disclose the threat. Sullivan mentioned that a meeting with lawmakers had already been scheduled for Thursday, where he intended to discuss the matter.
Other lawmakers with access to intelligence released statements that failed to adequately address the potential risks. According to Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), the top Democrat on the House intelligence committee, the threat is significant, but there is no need to panic.
Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), the chairman and top Republican on the Senate intelligence committee, have been actively monitoring the threat since its inception. They remain committed to addressing the issue and are engaged in ongoing discussions with the Biden administration to determine the most suitable course of action.
“In the meantime, it is important to exercise caution in order to protect the sources and methods that are crucial for preserving a variety of options for US action,” stated the senators.
