Last Thursday, Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) urged Speaker Mike Johnson to initiate a formal investigation into Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio), the House Intelligence chair. This call came after Turner issued a cryptic public alert regarding a potential national security risk.
In his letter to Speaker Mike Johnson, Rep. Andy Ogles, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, criticized Rep. Mike Turner’s actions as “reckless.” Ogles accused Turner of issuing the statement to drum up support for his legislative goals, specifically increased aid to Ukraine and the renewal of surveillance powers under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
“It has become clear that the intent was not to ensure the safety of our homeland and the American people, but rather to ensure additional funding for Ukraine and passage of an unreformed Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act,” Ogles wrote.
Rep. Mike Turner stirred controversy last Wednesday with a cryptic statement raising concerns about “a serious national security threat.” He called for the White House to declassify all information related to this threat, sparking speculation and debate on Capitol Hill.
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According to sources familiar with the matter speaking to POLITICO, the national security threat mentioned by Rep. Mike Turner is linked to Russia’s efforts to develop an anti-satellite nuclear weapon for potential use in space.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged the threat last Thursday, clarifying that it’s not an “active capability.” The White House is treating the matter seriously and plans to provide further information in due course. Turner’s office issued a statement after Ogles’ letter defending the warning on Wednesday.
“The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence worked in consultation with the Biden Administration to notify Congress of this national security threat,” Turner wrote. “In addition, language in the bipartisan notification issued by the Chair and Ranking Member to all Members of the House was cleared by the Administration prior to its release.
The House Intelligence Committee voted 23 to 1 to make this information available to Members of Congress. White House officials confirmed that, in their view, the matter was ‘serious’.”
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Ogles’ letter coincides with ongoing divisions among House Republicans regarding Ukraine funding. Speaker Mike Johnson has refrained from advancing a Senate-approved $95 billion aid package, which encompasses allocations for Israel and Taiwan as well, amid resistance from conservative members.
Johnson has expressed personal backing for aid to Ukraine. However, he faces resistance from the far-right wing of the party, including Ogles, who strongly opposes providing further assistance to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
The House is currently deliberating on a significant alteration to the foreign surveillance authority, Section 702, which has sparked criticism due to its inclusion of data from American citizens.
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Turner is against proposed modifications that would introduce additional legal obstacles for utilizing the authority, contending that it would impede crucial national security efforts.
During a White House briefing on Wednesday, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expressed mild surprise at Turner’s public statement, noting, “That’s his choice to do that.”
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