Defense
NOTES
February 23, 2024 12:31 PM
The Defense secretary is listed as a witness in the House Armed Services Committee’s hearing next Thursday billed as a “Review of Defense Secretary Austin’s Unannounced Absence.” Republican Chairman Rep. Mike Rogers said the panel will hear testimony from Austin. Several Republicans have called for Austin, who is undergoing cancer treatment, to resign over his failure to inform the president of his medical absence in January.
February 23, 2024 12:31 PM
February 15, 2024 02:40 PM
After a day of speculation, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that Rep. Mike Turner’s comments about a national security threat were “related to an anti-satellite capability that Russia is developing.” He added: “This is not an active capability that’s been deployed, and though Russia’s pursuit of this particular capability is troubling, there is no immediate threat to anyone’s safety.”
February 15, 2024 02:40 PM
February 14, 2024 01:22 PM
House Intelligence Chair Mike Turner called for the president to declassify material related to a “serious national security threat” — although he didn’t say what. Rep. Jim Himes, the committee’s top Democrat, attempted to tamp down the alarm, saying people need not panic: “I don’t want people thinking that martians are landing.” White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan wouldn’t give any details but said he is meeting with the House members of the “Gang of Eight” tomorrow.
February 14, 2024 01:22 PM
February 14, 2024 09:08 AM
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is “well and resumed his full functions and duties Tuesday evening at 5 p.m.,” per the Pentagon, after he was released from the hospital. He had been in Walter Reed since Sunday.
February 14, 2024 09:08 AM
