House Speaker John Boehner has sent a letter to President Barack Obama questioning whether Obama is willing to make unilateral concessions to Russia on missile defense.

The president was caught on tape Monday telling Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (dih-MEE'-tree med-VYEH'-dyev) that he would have more room to negotiate on missile defense after getting through a November election. The remark drew immediate criticism from Republicans, including GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

Not Boehner, who told reporters Tuesday that the while president is overseas, it's inappropriate for people to criticize the president or the country.

Obama returned to Washington Tuesday night and Boehner sent his letter Wednesday. The Ohio Republican asked the president to explain what he meant by greater flexibility on missile defense. He said a "post-election surprise" would be unwelcome.