GOP warning of 'national security threat' is about Russia wanting nuclear weapon in space: Sources

The White House's national security adviser and leading lawmakers on Capitol Hill sought to allay public concerns on Wednesday after the House Intelligence Committee chairman warned of a «national security threat» related to a «destabilizing foreign military capability» so serious that President Joe Biden should declassify «all information» about it.

Two sources familiar with deliberations on Capitol Hill said the intelligence has to do with Russia wanting to put a nuclear weapon into space. This is not to drop a nuclear weapon onto Earth but rather to possibly use against satellites.

Still, «it is very concerning and very sensitive,» said one source, calling it «a big deal.»

While not addressing the subject directly, multiple members of Congress quickly described the issue as serious without stoking public alarm.

«We are going to work together to address this matter, as we do all sensitive matters that are classified,» House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters at the Capitol on Wednesday afternoon.

«But we just want to assure everyone steady hands are at the wheel,» he said.

Rep. Jim Himes, a Connecticut Democrat and the ranking member on the House Intelligence Committee, echoed that in his own statement, calling the warning «significant» but «not a cause for panic.»

«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,» Himes said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Ohio Republican Rep. Mike Turner, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said in a statement that his panel had «made available to all Members of Congress information concerning a serious national security threat.»

«I am requesting that President Biden declassify all information