The White House has verified information that indicates Russia is working on creating an “anti-satellite capability.”
Washington — The White House confirmed Thursday that the U.S. has intelligence that Russia is developing a capability to target satellites in space, one day after the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee gave a cryptic warning about “
a significant risk to the safety and security of a nation.”
John Kirby, a spokesperson for national security, stated during the daily press briefing that Russia is currently developing an anti-satellite capability. However, this capability has not yet been put into action and while Russia’s pursuit of it is concerning, there is currently no immediate danger to anyone’s safety.
Kirby stated that the subject at hand is not a tool that can harm humans or cause physical damage on our planet. He later clarified that the danger would originate from space.
Fired a missile from the ground to destroy a satellite originally from the Soviet era. The trial was successful.created 1,500 pieces of orbital debris
The crewmembers on the International Space Station had to take shelter due to a mandatory event.
Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio, the Republican chair of the House Intelligence Committee, made an uncommon public statement on Wednesday. He called on President Biden to declassify all relevant information about a threat, in order for the United States and its allies to openly consider a course of action.
On Thursday afternoon, House leaders were briefed by Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, on the threat. While Sullivan did not disclose further information, he did state on Wednesday that the Biden administration is prioritizing the protection of national security for the United States and its citizens.
After the meeting, Turner stated that legislators left with a firm understanding that the government is treating this matter with great importance and has a well-developed plan in effect.
He expressed his confidence in the current actions taken by the administration to deal with this issue.
Turner’s colleagues have reprimanded him for inciting unwarranted alarm.
Upon examining confidential data pertaining to the danger, members of the Democratic party on the House Intelligence Committee stated on Wednesday that it is a matter of concern, but not one that warrants immediate alarm. Representative Jim Himes from Connecticut, the leading Democrat on the committee, emphasized the need for addressing the matter in the foreseeable future.
A member of the same political party as Turner requested that Louisiana Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson look into whether the statements had any influence on U.S. policies, implying that Turner had an underlying agenda.
Rep. Andy Ogles, a Republican from Tennessee, criticized the Chairman for revealing information that could negatively impact geopolitics, domestic and foreign markets, and the mental and physical state of American citizens in a careless manner, in a letter addressed to Johnson.
Upon reflection, it is now apparent that the purpose was not to protect our nation and its citizens, but instead to secure more financial support for Ukraine and the approval of an unchanged Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), as stated by the author.
Reporting was contributed by Ellis Kim, Olivia Gazis, and Jaala Brown.
Caitlin Yilek
Source: cbsnews.com