Lloyd Austin called by Congress to testify about hospitalization. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is facing increased scrutiny over the handling of his recent hospitalization, prompting a request from House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers for him to testify before Congress.
“The scheduled Feb. 14 hearing aims to address concerns about transparency and the delay in notifying the White House about Austin’s medical condition”, Reports.
The controversy surrounds the fact that the Defense Department took three days to inform White House officials that Austin had been admitted to the intensive care unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Jan. 1.
The delay has raised questions about the Department of Defense’s protocol for keeping the White House informed about the health status of key officials, especially those in critical national security roles.
In a letter to Austin, Rogers expressed disappointment over the lack of transparency and asserted that maintaining a ready and lethal force requires the Secretary of Defense to be readily available and transparent.
The letter highlighted concerns about Austin’s handling of communication with the White House, the temporary transfer of power to Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks, and the official actions taken during his hospitalization.
“I expect your full honesty and cooperation in this matter,” Rogers stated in the letter, emphasizing that anything short of complete transparency would be unacceptable. The House Armed Services Committee’s inquiry comes amid broader concerns about accountability and communication within the Defense Department.
Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed the Department of Defense’s receipt of the committee’s request and mentioned ongoing internal reviews. Ryder explained that the Defense Department had sent three letters to the committee as part of a good-faith effort to respond expeditiously. He pointed out that the Defense Department Inspector General is also conducting a separate review into the matter.
Austin, who was released from Walter Reed on Monday after being hospitalized due to complications related to prostate cancer treatment, has taken full responsibility for the delayed disclosure. In a statement on Jan. 6, he acknowledged the concerns about transparency and pledged to do a better job of keeping the public informed.
“I also understand the media concerns about transparency, and I recognize I could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed,” Austin said. “I commit to doing better.”
The incident has prompted questions about the broader issue of transparency and communication between the Defense Department and other branches of government.
Members of Congress have emphasized the critical nature of timely and accurate information flow, especially when it comes to the health of key officials responsible for national security.
The controversy also brings attention to the challenges associated with maintaining transparency around the health of high-ranking officials in a department as crucial as defense.
The public and Congress expect timely and reliable information, especially given the sensitive nature of the role the Secretary of Defense plays in the nation’s security apparatus.
As the Feb. 14 hearing approaches, Austin will face questioning from lawmakers eager to understand the sequence of events, the decision-making process surrounding the delayed notification, and the steps taken to ensure a smoother communication flow in the future.
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