Republicans slam Democrats over Chinese balloon debacle

Republicans say the balloon should have been shot down earlier

The U.S. military says it is now searching for remnants of the suspected Chinese surveillance balloon.

The drama has further strained already-tense relations between the two countries.

It comes as Republicans criticise Joe Biden for his administration’s delayed intervention.

They say the balloon should have been shot down earlier.

But Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg says the safety of Americans is always the number one priority.