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House Committee Demands Answers from Lloyd Austin, Summons Him to Capitol Hill

via CNN
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Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s attempt to keep his prostate cancer diagnosis private has led to a series of revelations and questions about his handling of the situation.

Despite efforts to maintain secrecy, details about his medical condition, hospital readmission, and the lack of transparency within his team have come to light.

As a result, he faces scrutiny from Congress, with requests for testimony and calls for his resignation from some members.

“On December 22, 2023, after consultation with his medical team, [Austin] was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and underwent a minimally invasive surgical procedure called a prostatectomy to treat and cure prostate cancer,” the DOD release stated.

“On January 2, the decision was made to transfer him to the ICU for close monitoring and a higher level of care. Further evaluation revealed abdominal fluid collections impairing the function of his small intestines. … During this stay, Secretary Austin never lost consciousness and never underwent general anesthesia.”

“While you did respond to some of my questions I had for you, a concerning number of questions were not addressed,” House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers wrote.

“Specifically, I am alarmed you refused to answer whether you instructed your staff to not inform the President of the United States or anyone else of your hospitalization,” he said. “Unfortunately, this leads me to believe that information is being withheld from Congress.

“Congress must understand what happened and who made decisions to prevent the disclosure of the whereabouts of a cabinet secretary. Your unwillingness to provide candid and complete answers necessitates calling a Full Committee hearing on February 14, 2024, where the Committee expects to hear your direct testimony regarding decisions made to withhold information from the President, Congress, and the American people.”

The situation has raised concerns about leadership transparency and the chain of command within the Defense Department.

“This is a time of immense global instability,” Rogers wrote. “Our country deserves reliable leadership at the Department. Maintaining the most ready and lethal force possible requires that everyone in the national security community be able to rely upon the Secretary of Defense’s availability and transparency.

“Regrettably, you have not exhibited these attributes throughout this most recent string of events.”

“Therefore, you are invited to testify before the House Committee on Armed Services at a hearing on February 14, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., in room 2118 of Rayburn House Office Building. I appreciate your willingness to appear before the committee and look forward to your testimony.”

“I have lost trust in Secretary Lloyd Austin’s leadership of the Defense Department due to the lack of transparency about his recent medical treatment and its impact on the continuity of the chain of command,” Rep. Chris Deluzio said.

“I have a solemn duty in Congress to conduct oversight of the Defense Department through my service on the House Armed Services Committee. That duty today requires me to call on Secretary Austin to resign,” he added. “I thank Secretary Austin for his leadership and years of dedicated service to the American people and wish him a speedy recovery.”

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