House Republicans consider resolution to condemn Biden over Chinese balloon: Report

.

Republicans are reportedly considering a resolution to condemn President Joe Biden‘s response to the suspected Chinese spy balloon.

A resolution is in its early stages, but at least two centrist Republicans are voicing consternation about such a proposal behind the scenes, sources told NBC. Such a resolution would be nonbinding and merely a messaging ploy.

CHINA ‘STRONGLY DISAPPROVES OF’ US SHOOTING DOWN SPY BALLOON, DANGLES RETALIATION

Biden drew widespread criticism from Republicans for not immediately moving to shoot down the suspected Chinese spy balloon. The military shot down the balloon off the coast of the United States on Saturday and insisted the delay in action came out of caution that debris from a strike over the mainland could harm civilians. The president claims he directed the Pentagon to shoot it down “as soon as possible.”

“On the balloon, I ordered the Pentagon to shoot it down on Wednesday as soon as possible [for safety],” Biden told reporters Saturday. “They successfully took it down.”

Detractors have pointed out that the device was hovering toward the U.S. since at least Jan. 28 and could have been struck while it was over water before flying directly over the continental U.S. China has denied claims that the high-altitude balloon flew through the U.S. for surveillance purposes.

Beijing claimed it was a civilian device used for meteorological purposes that veered off course and happened to hover over sensitive military outposts. China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the shootdown of the balloon Saturday. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Antony Blinken postponed his planned trip to China following the public revelations.

Regardless of whether Republicans move forward on the resolution against Biden, they appear poised to tap their congressional powers to review the situation.

“I will be demanding answers and will hold the admin accountable for this embarrassing display of weakness,” Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said Saturday.

Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) similarly blasted the Biden administration and noted in a statement that his committee would demand answers. Meanwhile, Democrats have largely deflected Republican attacks. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced that the full Senate will receive a briefing on China.

“I commend President Biden’s leadership in taking down the Chinese balloon over water to ensure safety for all Americans,” Schumer (D-NY) said in a statement.

Another point of criticism from Republicans is that the Pentagon did not publicly disclose the aircraft until last Thursday after local media reported sightings.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

“This entire episode telegraphed weakness to Xi and the Chinese government and to illustrate why I would just ask one hypothetical question. Imagine how this would have played out if nobody had taken any pictures of the balloon,” Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) said on Face the Nation on Sunday. ” I think the only reason they shot it down is because it made it into the news.”

Biden is set to deliver his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress Tuesday. The timing of a resolution is not clear, and it remains in its “infant” stages, according to the report. The international dust-up comes at a time of strain in relations between the U.S. and China.

Related Content

Related Content