Brief
Republicans call for congressional probe of Starlink slowdown in Ukraine
Turner and Cramer say the slowdown endangers lives and demand answers from the Defense Department and contractors.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Sunday, Rep. Mike Turner (R‑OH) and Sen. Kevin Cramer (R‑ND) appeared on CBS News' "Face the Nation" to call for a congressional investigation into recent disruptions to SpaceX's Starlink service used by Ukraine, saying the slowdown threatens lives and military effectiveness.
What happened
Ukrainian officials reported difficulty with the satellite communications system last week, noting reduced speeds that hampered drone control and missile‑warning capabilities. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the limits prevented the use of interceptor systems against Russian drones. The issue appeared to be resolved by Thursday, according to earlier reports, but officials said some areas remained affected.
What the reports add
CBS News quoted Turner stating, "There needs to be an investigation, we need to find out who these people are because lives are at risk and lives are lost over these things." Turner added that the explanation from the administration – that the slowdown "sort of happened" – was insufficient. Cramer echoed the call, saying, "I certainly support investigating what was the source of that decision, if in fact it was a decision at all," and emphasized the need to restore full power to Ukraine's capabilities.
What was said
Turner told host Margaret Brennan, "We need to find out who these people are." Cramer told reporters, "It may very well have been some sort of a technical glitch, I don't know for sure," but stressed the priority of restoring the service. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also on "Face the Nation," said the administration had "nothing to do with that" and that the slowdown "sort of happened" before being restored.
How it came about
The call for a probe follows a bipartisan group of nine senators who earlier asked the Pentagon inspector general to examine whether Department of Defense actions or contractor decisions contributed to the slowdown. Earlier Felo News coverage documented Ukraine's accusations that U.S.‑mandated speed caps on Starlink hindered drone operations and Zelensky's claims that the United States jammed the service, while officials like President Trump and Elon Musk offered conflicting explanations.
Key facts
- Rep. Mike Turner called for a congressional investigation into Starlink disruptions in Ukraine. (cbsnews.com)
- Sen. Kevin Cramer also urged an inquiry, questioning whether the slowdown was a decision or a glitch. (cbsnews.com)
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration had no role in the slowdown. (cbsnews.com)
- A bipartisan group of nine senators previously requested a Pentagon inspector‑general review of the issue. (cbsnews.com)
Sources
- [1] cbsnews.com — originally reported as “Rep. Turner calls for congressional probe into Starlink disruption in Ukraine: "Lives are at risk"”
