Sec Austin to testify before Congress on secretive hospitalization
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to Testify Before Congress About Secret Hospitalization
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has agreed to testify before Congress regarding his secretive hospitalization for complications following a procedure to treat prostate cancer, according to a House panel.
A spokesperson for the House Armed Services Committee told the media on Tuesday that the Department of Defense (DoD) “confirmed” Austin would appear before the panel on February 29 to discuss “his failure to disclose his hospitalization.”
Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) sent a letter to Austin last month, calling on the secretary to testify because of his “unwillingness to provide candid and complete answers” sought by the committee. Although he initially picked February 14 for a hearing, Rogers told POLITICO that Austin had a “date conflict.”
Austin, 70, faced controversy after the revelation that the secretary had been hospitalized on January 1 and delegated some of his duties to a deputy without informing officials at the White House and Congress.
Some critics, including GOP lawmakers and former President Donald Trump, called for Austin’s ouster as more details emerged, including that Austin kept his cancer diagnosis under wraps until the story broke.
Multiple inquiries ensued, and the White House released new guidelines for Cabinet secretaries to enhance transparency rules when authority is delegated to a subordinate.
The DoD said Austin had resumed his duties from home after being released from the hospital on January 15, and the secretary returned to work at the Pentagon on January 29.
During a press conference last week, Austin expressed remorse for how his cancer diagnosis and hospitalization were handled.
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“We did not handle this right, and I did not handle this right,” Austin said. “I should’ve told the president about my cancer diagnosis. I should have also told my team and the American public. And I take full responsibility. I apologize to my teammates and to the American people.”
Austin also acknowledged that Congress “had some very relevant questions that they’ve asked us, and we will continue to answer those questions” as well as tackle any “issues” raised by Rogers.
A Pentagon spokesperson previously told the press the DoD “provided the committee three letters in a good-faith effort to respond to the committee as expeditiously as possible, recognizing that there is an internal 30-day review underway, and the DoD inspector general is conducting his own review.”
What specific information does Congress seek from Secretary Austin regarding his hospitalization and subsequent actions?
Etary has been working remotely since then. However, his hospitalization and lack of disclosure have raised concerns and prompted calls for his testimony before Congress.
The House Armed Services Committee spokesperson confirmed that Secretary Austin has agreed to testify before the panel on February 29 regarding his failure to disclose his hospitalization. This comes after Chairman Mike Rogers sent a letter to Austin last month, expressing dissatisfaction with the secretary’s unwillingness to provide complete answers to the committee’s inquiries.
The controversy surrounding Austin began when it was revealed that he had been hospitalized on January 1 for complications following a procedure to treat prostate cancer. During his hospitalization, Austin delegated some of his duties to a deputy without informing the White House and Congress. This lack of transparency and disclosure has drawn criticism from GOP lawmakers and former President Donald Trump, who have called for Austin’s removal from office.
In response to the growing scrutiny, multiple inquiries were launched, including an investigation by the Pentagon Inspector General. The White House also released new guidelines for Cabinet secretaries to ensure transparency when delegating authority to a subordinate.
The Department of Defense has stated that Secretary Austin resumed his duties from home after being released from the hospital on January 15 and has been working remotely since then. However, the lingering questions and concerns surrounding his hospitalization and lack of disclosure warrant his testimony before Congress.
It is crucial for Secretary Austin to appear before Congress to address these concerns and provide the necessary transparency on his hospitalization and subsequent actions. As a public servant entrusted with the defense of the nation, it is vital that he upholds the highest standards of accountability and honesty. Testifying before Congress will allow Secretary Austin to explain his actions, provide the necessary information to the committee, and ensure that there is transparency and trust in the Department of Defense.
Moving forward, it is essential for the House Armed Services Committee to thoroughly examine the secretary’s testimony and determine whether any further action is necessary. This incident highlights the importance of open communication and transparency in government institutions and emphasizes the need for leaders to be held accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s decision to testify before Congress about his secret hospitalization is a step towards transparency and accountability. It is vital for him to address the concerns raised by his failure to disclose his hospitalization and provide a thorough explanation of his actions. This testimony will allow for a better understanding of the situation and ensure trust in the Department of Defense.
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