In a candid acknowledgment, House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner revealed to CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday that Russian propaganda has infiltrated Congress and influenced a particular portion of the Republican base.
Turner, an Ohio Republican and staunch advocate for additional aid to Ukraine, conceded that there are indeed attempts originating from Russia to disseminate communications that espouse anti-Ukraine and pro-Russia sentiments, with some even being echoed on the House floor.
Rep. Mike Turner (Credits: NBC News)
Turner’s remarks came in response to House Foreign Affairs Chair Michael McCaul’s recent assertion that Russian propaganda has “infected a good chunk” of the GOP base. Turner emphasized the importance of recognizing the broader context of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, cautioning against the erroneous belief that it is solely about NATO.
He underscored Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s territorial ambitions in Eastern Europe, including claims over Ukrainian territory, as evidence of the broader geopolitical stakes involved.
According to Turner, the proliferation of Russian propaganda not only muddies the understanding of the conflict but also undermines the global struggle between authoritarianism and democracy.
He urged vigilance in defending democracy and resisting authoritarian aggression, citing the declarations of leaders like Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who have framed the conflict in such terms.
Mike Turner (Credits: NBC News)
Despite the Senate’s passage of a $95.3 billion foreign aid bill, including provisions for Ukraine and Israel, House Speaker Mike Johnson faced opposition from fellow Republicans, delaying a vote.
Turner expressed frustration with the obstructionist tactics employed by some within the GOP, referring to them as the “chaos caucus” and emphasizing the need to prioritize crucial legislative work over disruptive behavior.
In response to concerns about potential repercussions for Johnson, if he proceeds with the aid package for Ukraine, Turner dismissed the notion of any risk, characterizing those seeking attention through disruptive actions as mere impediments to progress.
He emphasized the urgency of standing up for democracy and ensuring that Congress fulfills its responsibility to address critical global challenges, including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
