The national security adviser to the White House said on Wednesday that a confidential meeting with congressional leaders was already scheduled before a leading House Republican called on President Joe Biden to "declassify all information" linked to a "serious national security threat,” ABC News reported on Wednesday.
According to the report, this intelligence concerns Russia's intentions to deploy a nuclear weapon in space, aimed not at Earth but potentially against satellites.
One person reportedly described the matter as "very concerning and very sensitive.”
Despite not directly commenting on the specifics, various Congress members have acknowledged the severity of the issue, advising against public panic.
At a press briefing, Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, faced repeated inquiries about the request for intelligence declassification from Republicans but refrained from confirming whether Thursday's meeting would address the reported threat.
Sullivan opted not to elaborate, instead generally noting the ongoing global threats and challenges, including terrorism, that the U.S. confronts. He expressed confidence in President Biden's capability to safeguard American security.
"I am confident that President Biden, in the decisions that he is taking, is going to ensure the security of the American people," Sullivan said.
Rep. Mike Turner, chair of the House Intelligence Committee, earlier that day highlighted 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 relating to this threat so that Congress, the Administration, and our allies can openly discuss the actions necessary to respond to this threat," stated Turner.
During a Wednesday briefing at the White House, Sullivan mentioned his plan to meet with the lawmakers.
"I reached out earlier this week to the Gang of Eight," he said, alluding to the bipartisan leadership from both houses of Congress and the senior intelligence committee members, "to offer myself up for a personal briefing... and in fact, we scheduled a briefing for the four House members of the Gang of Eight tomorrow."
Sullivan expressed his surprise at Congressman Turner's public statement on the same day, emphasizing his eagerness for the already arranged meeting set to take place on Thursday.