The US has informed Congress that Russia is developing a new space-based nuclear weapon to threaten US satellites.
Such a weapon could destroy civilian and military communications from space.
While not considered an urgent threat as Russia is not near deploying it, it raises concerns about violating the 1967 Outer Space Treaty banning orbital nuclear weapons.
Republican congressman, Rep. Michael R. Turner, urged declassifying the intelligence, alarming the White House about compromising sources.
Rep. Turner said, “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.”
Experts warn ending the treaty could spark a new arms race in space as both Russia and China develop anti-satellite capabilities.
The intelligence was reportedly about Russian nuclear-armed anti-satellite technology.
Biden’s National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, said, “We scheduled a briefing for the House members of the Gang of Eight tomorrow.”
“That’s been on the books. So I am a bit surprised that Congressman Turner came out publicly today in advance of a meeting on the books for me to go sit with him alongside our intelligence and defense professionals tomorrow,” he continued.
“Americans understand that there are a range of threats and challenges in the world that we’re dealing with every single day, and those threats and challenges range from terrorism to state actors,” explained Sullivan.
“And we have to contend with them, and we have to contend with them in a way where we ensure the ultimate security of the American people. I am confident that President Biden, in the decisions that he is taking, is going to ensure the security of the American people going forward,” added the security advisor.
Officials said more context was needed and the threat was not imminent but that a window existed to prevent deployment.
Rep. Jason Crow said, “This is something that requires our attention.”
“There’s no doubt. It’s not an immediate crisis, but certainly something that we have to be very serious about,” he continued.
Speaker Mike Johnson said, “We are going to work together to address this matter.”
Steven Andreasen, a nuclear expert at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, said, “Ending the Space Treaty could open the floodgates for other countries to put nuclear weapons in space as well.”
“Once you have orbital nuclear weapons, you can use them for more than taking out satellites,” continued Andreasen
The issue sparked political tensions but experts agree it demands attention to ensure American security.
Most Popular:
Cause of Death Released For ‘Rocky’ Movie Star
Supreme Court Audio Suggests Trump Case Is Doomed
