House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner (R-Ohio) is facing calls for an inquiry after he released information about a “serious national security threat.”
In a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Rep, Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) wrote, “On February 14, 2024, at approximately 11:35a.m., the Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence revealed to the American people an imminent and perhaps existential threat to the United States of America.”
“This revelation by the Chairman was done with a reckless disregard of the implications and consequences said information would have on geopolitics, domestic and foreign markets, or the well-being and psyche of the American people,” he continued.
The letter went on:
“In hindsight, 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 (FISA). This act constituted poor judgement at a minimum and a complete breach of trust influenced by the pursuit of a political agenda at a maximum.”
Oh WOW — HFC Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn) is asking Speaker Johnson to formally open an inquiry into Intel Chair Mike Turner, a fellow R, claiming he was “reckless” in the way he approached publicly raising concern about a national security threat this week pic.twitter.com/QJQOjTzRl6
— Olivia Beavers (@Olivia_Beavers) February 15, 2024
Finally, Ogles wrote, “Mr. Speaker, it is with great reticence that I formally request an inquiry as to any impact the Chairman’s statements may have had on U.S. foreign and domestic policy.”
“Furthermore, as the Chairman of the Select Committee on Intelligence is solely appointed by the Speaker and under your direct purview, should the Chairman retain his post, you have a duty and an obligation to reassure this body (Congress) and the American people that the processes of the Intelligence Committee have not been corrupted by the very institutions they are charged with monitoring,” he added.
His statement comes a day after Turner said in a statement, “The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has made available to all Members of Congress information concerning a serious national security threat.”
“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,” Turner added.
After much speculation about the nature of the threat, it was reported it centered around a Russian plan to put nuclear weapons in space that could be used against satellites.
However, other lawmakers sought to tamp down concerns about the matter.
Johnson said, “We are going to work together to address this matter, as we do all sensitive matters that are classified.”
“But we just want to assure everyone steady hands are at the wheel,” he added.
Meanwhile, Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) stated it is a “significant” development, but insisted it is “not a cause for panic.”
Turner’s statement comes as Johnson has rebuffed a push to pass a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine and Israel, sparking speculation — which Ogles amplified — that his statement was meant to drum up fear around Russia to pass the bill.