Subscribe for free to eliminate ads
Advertisement
Advertisement
Speaker Mike Johnson announced the removal of Rep. Mike Turner as chairman of the House Intelligence Committee following months of tension within the GOP. The decision traces back to a statement Turner made in February, warning about a potential national security risk involving Russian space technology. His message at the time raised concerns across Congress.
Advertisementads
Advertisement
In February, unease was sparked as critical information regarding a serious national security threat was shared by the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, according to a declaration made by Turner.
Advertisement
Turner’s leadership has faced criticism from some Republicans, particularly those aligned with the Trump wing of the party, who view his ties to the intelligence establishment as excessive.
Advertisement
In response to his removal, Turner expressed pride in his tenure as chairman, sharing a message on X, stating that he is very proud to have served on the House Intelligence Committee and as its chairman. The Ohio representative stated that there were great members on the Committee, and he was honored to have worked alongside them.
Turner also highlighted his ongoing efforts to expand Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s capabilities and his role in welcoming the NATO Parliamentary Assembly to Dayton in the coming months. The committee’s ranking Democrat, Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), voiced alarm over the decision, calling it a troubling development.
Advertisement
Speaker Johnson sought to reassure the public, stating that there is no cause for alarm. He also noted that he has reviewed Chairman Turner’s statement and wanted to assure the American people that steady hands are at the helm. While he cannot disclose classified information, he emphasized that they are actively addressing the matter. In a separate announcement, Johnson revealed plans to fast-track President-elect Donald Trump’s legislative agenda with a sweeping reconciliation bill.
Speaking on Fox News, Johnson emphasized the importance of a unified strategy to deliver Trump’s priorities. Stating that we’re just 15 days away from President Trump’s second inauguration, and we’re laying the groundwork to hit the ground running. Our goal is to consolidate as many policy measures as possible into one big, beautiful bill.
By utilizing reconciliation, which requires only a simple majority in the Senate, Republicans aim to bypass the 60-vote threshold typically needed to pass legislation. Johnson expressed optimism, stating, that this approach will save time, ensure thorough negotiation, and allow us to deliver on promises that will quite literally save the country. With preparations underway, the GOP appears poised to align closely with Trump’s vision, setting the stage for an ambitious legislative rollout in the coming months.