Speaker Johnson Assures No Public Alarm Needed Over Unknown National Security Threat, Talks to Follow

House Speaker Mike Johnson sought to allay fears regarding an ambiguous threat to national security on Wednesday.

Serious Security Threat

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Johnson’s statement came after a request from Ohio Republican Representative Mike Turner, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, for President Joe Biden to disclose details regarding a “serious national security threat.”

Declassify Threat information

Turner said, “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.”

Briefing for House Members

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He mentioned that information regarding the matter was being provided to all House members in a secure location, following chamber protocols.

Raw Intelligence Review

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Throughout Wednesday afternoon, lawmakers arrived at the committee space to review the raw intelligence related to Turner’s alert, located within a secure facility in the basement of the Capitol.

White House Meeting

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Amid escalating speculation about the threat, Johnson organized a press briefing in the Capitol to announce that he and other congressional leaders would convene with Biden at the White House on Thursday to address the issue.

No Need for Alarm

The speaker noted, “I saw Chairman Turner’s statement on the issue and I want to assure the American people there’s no need for public alarm.”

Collaborative Effort

Johnson mentioned that there will be a collaborative effort to tackle the issue, similar to how all classified and sensitive matters are handled.

No Disclosure Possible

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He added, “I’m not at liberty to disclose classified information and really can’t say much, 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.”

Critique of Presidential Competency

Johnson’s assurance came amidst his criticism of President Biden’s handling of classified information, labeling the President as unfit for office due to perceived incompetence.

Nuclear Threat

On Wednesday, ABC News reported, citing anonymous sources, that the threat may involve Russia deploying a nuclear weapon in space with the intent to target and destroy satellites.

Concering & Sensative

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One source talking about the threat told the outlet, “It is very concerning and very sensitive.”

Foreigners Surveillance Act

Turner has been advocating for the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, granting intelligence agencies expansive authority to surveil foreigners without a warrant.

Privacy Implications Reservation

This law has sparked controversy among certain Republicans and Democrats who are wary of its privacy implications.

Ploy Threat

Arizona Republican Representative Andy Biggs insinuated on social media that Turner’s enigmatic threat was a ploy to persuade lawmakers to endorse the reauthorization.

Vote Postponed

The House had initially planned to vote on Turner’s bill this week, but Johnson’s office declared Wednesday afternoon that the vote had been postponed.

White House Engagement

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National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expressed surprise over Turner’s disclosure of the threat, noting that they had already arranged the White House meeting where he would discuss with lawmakers on Thursday.

Ensuring Security

In response to reporters’ inquiries about the threat details, Sullivan said, “I am confident that President Biden, in the decisions that he is taking, is going to ensure the security of the American people.”

A significant Threat

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Connecticut Democrat Representative Jim Himes, the House intelligence committee member, said the threat is a “significant one, but it is not a cause for panic.”

Not for Public Discussion

Himes added, “As to whether more can be declassified about this issue, that is a worthwhile discussion but it is not a discussion to be had in public.”

Situation Monitoring

Democrat Senator Mark Warner and Republican Senator Marco Rubio, the chairman and ranking Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, affirmed their awareness of the threat, stating they have been monitoring it “from the outset.”