Jim Himes on satellites, space nukes and Section 702
Feb 16, 2024
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Rep. Jim Himes and Ryan Lizza discuss Russian space weapons, Section 702 reforms, and behind-the-scenes drama at the Intelligence Committee. Topics include space militarization, satellite threats, declassification risks, oversight obligations, and challenges in passing Section 702 legislation.
The EPA's push to end gas and diesel car sales faces criticism for implications on consumer choice and reliance on China for electric vehicle supply chain.
House Intelligence Committee faces challenges with national security threat declassification and Section 702 reauthorization, emphasizing the critical decisions ahead.
Deep dives
The EPA's Car Ban and its Implications
The EPA is set to implement a regulation that aims to end the sale of new gas and diesel cars in the US, which is receiving pushback from those who believe it goes against consumer preferences and affordability. Critics argue that this regulation, which promotes electric vehicles, can potentially jeopardize American energy security by relying heavily on China for the electric vehicle supply chain.
The Controversy Surrounding Representative Mike Turner's Statement
Representative Mike Turner made a statement regarding a serious national security threat that he believed should be declassified, causing a wave of confusion and concern. The nature of the disagreement between Turner and other committee members, like Representative Jim Himes, centered around whether the statement should be made public and how it could affect national security. The public response to the cryptic threat led to speculation and raised questions about the timing and intentions behind Turner's statement.
The House Intelligence Committee and the Section 702 Program
The House Intelligence Committee, which plays a crucial role in addressing legislative crises, is at the center of two significant issues: the declassification of a national security threat and the reauthorization of the foreign intelligence gathering program known as Section 702. The committee's secure meeting with top national security officials, including Jake Sullivan, raised questions about the potential connection between the two issues. The expiration of the Section 702 program in April poses a significant national security decision for Congress, as privacy advocates propose reforms that other officials argue could cripple the program.
The Challenges of Addressing Space Weaponization
The podcast episode also delves into the topic of space weaponization by countries like Russia and China. The availability of high-tech satellites capable of collecting intelligence and the need to protect valuable assets in space are major concerns. The potential consequences of violating international treaties and the challenges of tracking and securing space assets are highlighted. The podcast concludes with a discussion about the response strategies and diplomatic avenues available to address these concerns.
Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), the ranking member on the House Intelligence Committee, joins host and Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to discuss everything you might want to know about Russian space weapons, Section 702 reforms, and the behind-the-scenes action at the Intelligence Committee during a week of extraordinary volatility.
Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Jim Himes is the representative for Connecticut's 4th district. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio.