On Wednesday morning, Chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Mike Turner (R-OH) released a rather cryptic statement regarding a "serious national security threat" that the committee was making available to all members of Congress and called on President Joe Biden to declassify the information.
Statement from Chairman @RepMikeTurner: pic.twitter.com/OA9yJuEPlf
— House Intelligence Committee (@HouseIntel) February 14, 2024
The brief statement reads:
“Today, 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.”
The statement immediately set off speculation as to the nature of the threat and as to why Turner opted to share the information in this manner. With all of the rising threats abroad, could this be about China? Iran? Russia? Or something closer to home, given the porous southern border?
An email sent to House members refers to the matter as "urgent" and regarding a "destabilizing foreign military capability."
🚨FROM ME AND @heatherscope
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) February 14, 2024
House members got this email
House Intel Chair Mike turner just told house republicans to go to SCIF for a briefing on FISA ahead of a possible vote this week. pic.twitter.com/OZyxn4JlDQ
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan was asked about the news during the White House press briefing late Wednesday morning.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan pressed on House Intel Committee Chair Mike Turner’s statement about a potential urgent “serious national security threat.” pic.twitter.com/j1b5soH4PD
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) February 14, 2024
Reporter: “Can you tell Americans that there’s nothing they have to worry about right now in terms of what [House Intel Chair Turner] describes as a ‘national security threat?’”
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) February 14, 2024
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan: "That question is impossible to answer with a straight… pic.twitter.com/TG4Sbhs6TE
Asked if he could reassure the American public that there is no cause for worry, Sullivan responded:
"Look, I think, in a way, that question...uh...is impossible to answer with a straight 'Yes,' right? Because Americans understand that there are a range of threats and challenges in the world, that we're dealing with every single day. And those threats and challenges range from terrorism to state actors. And we have to contend with them — we have to contend with them in a way where we ensure the ultimate security of the American people. I am confident that President Biden, in the decisions that he is taking, is going to ensure the security of the American people going forward, and I will stand here at this podium and assert that — look you in the eye with confidence that we believe that we can and will and are protecting the national security of the United States and the American people."
This is a developing story. RedState will provide additional details as they become available.
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