Top Dems on intelligence committees were not briefed before strikes — but Republicans were

Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., at a Financial Services Committee hearing on Dec. 13.Al Drago / Bloomberg via Getty Images file

Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, was not briefed before the US’ strikes on Iran — even though his GOP counterpart on the panel, Chairman Rick Crawford, was in contact with the White House, per a person familiar.

Also, Sen. Mark Warner, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, also was not briefed before the attack, per a source familiar, but the GOP chairman, Tom Cotton, was briefed.

Both Democrats are on the “Gang of Eight,” which typically would be briefed before a significant US military engagement. The Gang of Eight includes the House and Senate leaders from each party as well as the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate intelligence committees.

Top Republicans on the Gang of Eight — including Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune — both were briefed ahead of time, sources familiar say.