GOP congressman warned of Russian threat as he advocates for Ukraine aid

WASHINGTON — House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner and House Speaker Mike Johnson have been concerned “for weeks” about the national security threat posed by the possibility of a Russian nuclear-powered space asset designed to target American satellites, several sources told NBC News.

The two had written a letter to the White House requesting a meeting with President Joe Biden on the matter, Johnson revealed Wednesday.

But Turner, R-Ohio, surprised Johnson, R-La., much of Capitol Hill and even his counterparts on the Senate Intelligence Committee by making his concerns public in a cryptic statement Wednesday morning.

The decision to warn Americans of “a serious national security threat” without further details, while allowing all members of the House to review material related to the matter, was highly unusual and it left many in Washington wondering why he’d take such an unconventional step. On Thursday, Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., asked Johnson to order an “inquiry” into Turner’s statement, saying it 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.”

Multiple sources told NBC News that Turner put out that statement to light a fire under colleagues in Congress and the White House to pass additional aid for Ukraine and renew a key foreign surveillance program, two major issues for the Intelligence Committee chairman that are currently facing significant obstacles in the House.

A Republican congressional aide said Turner is concerned and angry at the uncertainty over the fate of proposed aid to Ukraine, as well as delays to the planned renewal of Section 702 of the