Committee Calls for Testimony
The Department of Defense has confirmed that Secretary Austin will testify before the House Armed Services Committee regarding his failure to disclose his hospitalization. The committee called for Austin’s testimony after it was revealed that the defense secretary had been hospitalized for prostate cancer treatment without public notice or informing the White House.
Apology and Responsibility
Secretary Austin, 70, expressed his apologies directly to President Biden for not providing advance notice of his condition or hospital stay. He admitted that he had mishandled the situation and took full responsibility for his actions. Austin acknowledged that he should have informed the president, his team, and the American public about his cancer diagnosis.
No Impact on Authority and Control
Austin emphasized that there were no gaps in authorities and no risk to the department’s command and control during his hospitalization, despite the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. The defense secretary returned to work in person at the Pentagon on January 29th, one day after a drone strike by Iran-backed militants resulted in the deaths of three U.S. service members and injuries to at least 40 others.
Calls for Resignation
The unannounced absence of Austin has led to calls from some lawmakers for his resignation. However, the defense secretary has made it clear that he will not step down from his position.
Committee’s Request for Answers
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers requested Austin’s testimony in a letter, seeking answers about whether the defense secretary instructed his staff not to inform the president of his hospitalization. Austin’s office has provided the committee with three letters in a good-faith effort to respond to their inquiries while recognizing ongoing internal and inspector general reviews.
Delay in Public Notice
Austin resumed work in a virtual capacity on January 5th while still hospitalized, even authorizing airstrikes on Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis. However, it was not until January 5th that the Pentagon informed the public, press, and Congress about his hospitalization. The White House was also not informed until January 4th.
In conclusion, Secretary Austin’s failure to disclose his hospitalization has raised concerns and led to calls for his resignation. The House Armed Services Committee has requested his testimony to address these issues and seek answers about the handling of the situation.