Austin to testify on secret hospitalization before lawmakers
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The US Defense Secretary is slated to appear before lawmakers at the US Capitol on Thursday to discuss his undisclosed hospitalization last month for prostate cancer treatment.
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Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin made a statement in “Tel Aviv” on 18, 2023. (AP)
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is set to testify before lawmakers, on Thursday, at the US Capitol regarding his undisclosed hospitalization last month for prostate cancer treatment. The unexpected nature of his medical condition surprised the entire US government, including President Joe Biden.
Austin is scheduled to testify before the House Armed Services Committee at 10:00 am (Local Time), addressing the situation related to his delayed communication about his recent hospitalization and its impact on the US president.
Initially admitted to the hospital on January 1 due to complications arising from a December surgical procedure for prostate cancer treatment, Austin's hospitalization details were not promptly conveyed to the White House by the Defense Department. This led to an investigation by the Pentagon Inspector General.
Earlier this month, Austin faced another brief hospitalization for monitoring related to a bladder issue. Lawmakers from both parties criticized him for not promptly informing them and the Biden administration about his hospitalization, leading to bipartisan calls for his resignation. In response to the public outcry, Austin held a press conference, expressing regret for the delay in notifying President Joe Biden and others. He mentioned feeling embarrassed to disclose his prostate cancer diagnosis.
The Biden administration expressed continued confidence in Austin's role as Defense Secretary despite the situation. Nonetheless, lawmakers raised concerns about the possible national security implications of Austin's delayed communication.
US defense chief Lloyd Austin released from hospital: Pentagon
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was released from the hospital on February 13, after undergoing treatment under general anesthetic for bladder issues as he suffers from prostate cancer, the Pentagon confirmed.
On February 12, Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder announced that Austin had transferred his duties to his deputy hours after he was taken to hospital for "an emergent bladder issue."
"He is recovering well and resumed his full functions and duties today at 5:00 pm (2200 GMT)... Secretary Austin will recuperate and perform his duties remotely from home for a period before returning to work at the Pentagon later this week," the Defense chief's office said in a statement on Tuesday.
At the time, the White House and Congress have been notified of his return to work, the Pentagon said.
Austin had been scheduled to attend a meeting in Brussels of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group of nations coordinating military assistance, but the Pentagon canceled those plans and announced the meeting would instead be virtual.
The announcement came weeks after it emerged that Austin, 70, had kept previous hospital stays secret and had not immediately informed US President Joe Biden of his cancer diagnosis, sparking criticism as the United States faces crises in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Austin effectively vanished from the public eye for treatment for prostate cancer in December and again in January after suffering complications from the procedure.
Simultaneously, the administration has launched investigations into how the chain of command operates when senior officials are incapacitated.
