January 25th 2024.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently faced criticism for not informing the President, Congress, and the American people about his hospitalization. As reported by The Hill, Republican House Armed Services Committee Chair Mike Rogers has called on Austin to testify about his actions. This comes after Rogers launched an investigation into why Austin did not disclose his hospitalization to anyone.
In response, Austin, his Chief of Staff Kelly Magsamen, and Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks all sent letters to Rogers on January 9th, addressing his questions. However, Rogers expressed disappointment with the lack of transparency in their responses. In a letter to Austin, he wrote, "When you and I last spoke, you promised full transparency. While you did respond to some of my questions, a concerning number of questions were not addressed."
Austin maintained in his response that there were no risks posed to the country during his hospitalization and that himself or Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks were always prepared to support the President as Commander-in-Chief. He also reiterated his previous comments, taking full responsibility for not disclosing his cancer diagnosis, but acknowledging the need for transparency in his role as Defense Secretary.
The events leading up to Austin's hospitalization were also called into question. On January 1st, he was transported to the hospital due to severe pain, but the White House was not informed until January 4th, and legislators were not informed until a day later. Austin explained that his condition was the result of a surgery for prostate cancer that was discovered during a routine screening in early December. The White House was not made aware of this development until January 9th.
Rogers expressed concern over the lack of information being shared with Congress and is demanding answers about who made the decision not to disclose Austin's whereabouts. However, Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, speaking on behalf of the Pentagon, stated that they have provided all requested information to the committee and are currently undergoing internal and external reviews.
Despite calls for Austin to resign from several GOP legislators and one Democrat, President Joe Biden has stated he has no plans to ask Austin to step down. Austin has also expressed no plans to resign and has been working from home in his full capacity as Defense Secretary. However, there is no set timeline for his return to the Pentagon building.
In the midst of these calls for Austin's resignation, the Congressional Black Caucus has shown their support for him. As reported by Black Enterprise, they released a statement saying, "We have full confidence in Secretary Austin and his ability to lead the Department of Defense." It is clear that Austin's hospitalization has sparked controversy and calls for transparency, but he remains in his position for now.
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