What to Know:
Earlier today, House Intelligence Committee (HPSCI) Chairman Mike Turner reported that the committee “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,” he added.
Statement from Chairman @RepMikeTurner: pic.twitter.com/OA9yJuEPlf
— House Intelligence Committee (@HouseIntel) February 14, 2024
What the exact nature of the threat remains unconfirmed, defense officials have told Fox and NBC that it is in relation to a new Russian space-based capability, with HPSCI sources describing it as a long term threat and “destabilizing” to CNN and Politico.
Some capabilities of concern could be new anti-satellite systems (ASAT), Fractional Orbital Bombardment Systems (FOBS), space-based nuclear delivery systems, or even EMPs.
Reactions:
Virginia Senator Mark Warner and Florida Senator Marco Rubio, both of whom are on the Senate Intel Committee, released a joint statement saying that “The Senate Intelligence Committee has the intelligence in question, and has been rigorously tracking this issue from the start. We continue to take this matter seriously and are discussing an appropriate response with the administration.”
“In the meantime, we must be cautious about potentially disclosing sources and methods that may be key to preserving a range of options for U.S. action,” it added.
— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) February 14, 2024
Likewise, national security reporter of Politico, Erin Banco, reported that officials told her that “this national security warning is not an urgent situation that the US needs to concern itself with ;today.’ It is a longer-term problem. And this raw intel has existed on the Hill for some time. Not sure what prompted the Turner statement.”
“Should note that multiple sources say there have been different versions of the intel circulating and at first it was only available to a certain group, then it was opened up. Again, the intel itself isn’t super new,” Banco added.
CNN quoted Speaker Mike Johnson saying “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. We’re working on it — and there’s no need for alarm.”