Russian propaganda influencing Republicans: Rep. Mike Turner

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner, a Republican, expressed concern about the influence of Russian propaganda in the Republican Party.

Ohio Rep. Turner told CNN’s State of the Union program that “absolutely” Russian information is being conveyed to Congress. He pointed to examples of some Republican colleagues making false statements about the war in Ukraine.

“We did see communications coming directly from people in Russia trying to cover up anti-Ukrainian and pro-Russian messages, some of which we even heard being published on the House floor,” Turner was quoted as saying by CNN on Sunday.

Turner’s comments came after House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul told PARK News last week that Russian propaganda “infects a large portion” of the Republican base.

“Some members of Congress today still mistakenly believe that this conflict between Russia and Ukraine is over NATO, which of course is not the case. If this propaganda dominates, it will be harder for us to truly see this as a conflict between autocracy and democracy. struggle,” Turner said.

Ukraine aid plan in trouble

The congressman also addressed delays in approving additional aid to Ukraine and Israel.

The Senate passed a $95.3 billion foreign aid bill in February, but House Speaker Mike Johnson was removed from the speakership after Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene tried to remove him from the speakership. As a result, his party leadership faces uncertainty and a vote on the plan has not yet been held.

However, Turner doesn’t think a group of outspoken Republicans will threaten Johnson’s position. He called them the “chaos caucus.”

“Republicans are seeking attention for themselves and trying to block all the important work of Congress,” Turner said.