Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), a member of the far-right House Freedom Caucus, called on Speaker Mike Johnson on Thursday to launch a formal inquiry into Turner’s statement, accusing Turner of trying to bolster support for two of his legislative priorities: sending more aid to Ukraine and renewing a controversial surveillance power.

And outside groups
urged Turner to step down from his post atop the key committee, telling Turner in a letter that his actions “undermined your credibility, your committee, and national security.”

Turner brushed aside those allegations.

“Ukraine funding certainly is important. And FISA certainly is important. But this is about Russia and the administration taking action,” he told NBC’s Kristen Welker.