WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reportedly suspending offensive cyber operations against Russia.  
 
“If press reports are accurate, this raises significant questions and concerns. There may be justifiable reasons. However, taking this action at the same time President Trump is further aligning himself with Vladimir Putin and going against our longest and closest allies and partners is suspect.
 
“Russian military cyber actors are linked to espionage, sabotage, and reputational harm around the globe. Cyber criminals operating from Russia and with ties to Russian military and intelligence services engage in ransomware and other destructive and illegal activities in the U.S. and abroad.  Russian cyber actors attempt to divide and undermine us.  The men and women of U.S. Cyber Command work with military and civilian partners every day to defend against these threats to American citizens and infrastructure.    
 
“If the reports of an order curtailing U.S. Cyber Command activities are accurate, Secretary Hegseth owes the committee a detailed explanation. I have asked for more information to be provided immediately, including: if an order was given, and if so, when and to whom; the scope of the order; expected impacts to partners, allies, and domestic agencies; and whether any risk assessment was made in advance of the order or is currently underway as a result of the order.”

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