House Republicans are demanding answers from President Obama on his alleged secret deal with Russia regarding plans for a U.S. missile defense shield.
Obama was caught on camera in March telling Russian Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev he would have "more flexibility" after his re-election to pursue a deal with Russia.
Republicans have seized on the comments and have accused the president of acquiescing to Russia at the cost of U.S. security in secret negotiations.
"The issue of the president’s secret deal with the Russians is not really one that’s open to interpretation," Rep. Michael Turner (R., Ohio) said on the floor of the House. "This is not some speculation. Do we know what the terms are? No. That’s a secret."
"What is the president’s response when we ask, ‘What are the terms of this deal, Mr. President? The terms that you won’t let the American public see.’ He says nothing."
The issue of missile defense has been a source of contention between the U.S. and Russia for several years, with the Russians claiming shields, placed in Europe, would be aimed at it. Obama has struck a softer line on the issue than former president George W. Bush. He pulled out of plans to construct missile defense installations in the Czech Republic.
"This is my last election. ... After my election I have more flexibility," Obama told Medvedev in March.
"I will transmit this information to Vladimir," Medvedev replied.