Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized again for an emergent bladder issue, marking his third hospitalization in recent weeks.
Despite this, he is retaining his duties, and the Deputy Secretary of Defense is prepared to assume his functions if necessary.
“Today, at approximately 2:20 pm, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III was transported by his security detail to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to be seen for symptoms suggesting an emergent bladder issue,” the Pentagon stated.
“The Deputy Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff have been notified. Additionally, White House and Congressional notifications have occurred.”
The lack of transparency in his previous hospitalizations has led to calls for his resignation from both Republicans and Democrats.
“At this time, the Secretary is retaining the functions and duties of his office. The Deputy Secretary is prepared to assume the functions and duties of the Secretary of Defense, if required. Secretary Austin traveled to the hospital with the unclassified and classified communications systems necessary to perform his duties,” Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said.
“We will provide an update on Secretary Austin’s condition as soon as possible,” he said.
Austin is scheduled to testify to Congress on February 29.
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