Top House members attending urgent national security briefing due to alarming message from Turner
National Security Adviser Surprised by Call for Declassification
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan was taken aback when House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner called on President Joe Biden to declassify information regarding a “serious national security threat.” Sullivan had already reached out to Turner and other top lawmakers to schedule a classified briefing on the matter. Despite this proactive approach, Turner still made his call public. Sullivan expressed his surprise but respected Turner’s decision.
Uncertainty Surrounding the Threat
While Sullivan emphasized that Biden would prioritize the issue of sources and methods, he couldn’t definitively say whether the public should be alarmed by Turner’s statement. Sullivan explained that it was impossible to answer that question with a straightforward yes. House Intelligence ranking member Jim Himes also downplayed the threat, acknowledging its significance but urging against panic.
Turner’s Concerns and Request for Declassification
Turner raised concerns when he shared a press release calling on President Biden to declassify all information related to the threat. He emphasized the importance of open discussion among Congress, the administration, and allies to effectively respond to the threat. However, Sullivan did not comment on whether the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act should be reformed to require a warrant for every query of lawfully collected data.
Avoiding Campaign Questions
Sullivan avoided addressing questions about Biden’s campaign starting a TikTok account, despite national security concerns surrounding the Chinese-owned application. He stated that he would not deal with campaign-related questions.
Why did Turner emphasize the importance of open discussion among Congress, the administration, and allies regarding the national security threat
Title: National Security Adviser Surprised by Call for Declassification
Introduction
The recent call from House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner for President Joe Biden to declassify certain information surrounding a “serious national security threat” has taken National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan by surprise. Despite Sullivan’s proactive approach of reaching out to Turner and other top lawmakers to schedule a classified briefing, Turner made his call public. While uncertainty surrounds the nature of the threat, Sullivan has expressed his surprise and respects Turner’s decision.
Uncertainty Surrounding the Threat
Sullivan, while addressing the concerns raised by Turner, emphasized that President Biden would prioritize the protection of sources and methods. However, Sullivan refrained from definitively stating whether the public should be alarmed by Turner’s statement. According to Sullivan, it is impossible to provide a straightforward yes or no answer to that question. Jim Himes, the House Intelligence ranking member, echoed this sentiment, downplaying the threat while acknowledging its significance and urging against panic.
Turner’s Concerns and Request for Declassification
In his press release, Turner expressed concerns regarding the threat and called on President Biden to declassify all relevant information. The Chairman emphasized the importance of open discussion among Congress, the administration, and allies to effectively respond to the threat. However, Sullivan did not comment on whether the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act should be reformed to require a warrant for every query of lawfully collected data.
Avoiding Campaign Questions
Sullivan evaded questions regarding Biden’s campaign starting a TikTok account, despite national security concerns surrounding the Chinese-owned application. He stated adamantly that he would not address campaign-related questions. This stance keeps the focus on the call for declassification and the existing national security threat.
Conclusion
The surprise expressed by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan regarding Chairman Mike Turner’s call for declassification highlights the complexity and sensitivity surrounding national security matters. While the public still remains uncertain about the nature of the threat, the demand for declassification signals the importance of open dialogue and collaboration among government bodies to effectively mitigate potential risks. The ongoing discussions between key lawmakers and the administration demonstrate an ongoing commitment to national security and the prioritization of protecting sources and methods.
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