Congressional Committee Seeks Clarity on Defense Secretary's Recent Hospitalization

The House Armed Services Committee has requested Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to provide testimony regarding his decision not to disclose his recent hospitalization to the White House. The committee expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and instructed Austin to address the reasons for withholding information from the President, Congress, and the public. The committee will convene for a hearing on February 14 to delve into the circumstances surrounding the secretary's medical condition and hospitalization. Meanwhile, the Defense Department's inspector general has also announced a review of the events. Austin, who recently underwent prostate surgery, was hospitalized for complications but did not immediately disclose this information to the public. The delay in informing the White House and Congress has raised questions and sparked scrutiny. The Pentagon stated that Austin is currently working remotely as he continues to recover. It is expected that both the congressional hearing and the inspector general's review will shed light on the handling of information related to Austin's health. The Defense Secretary has been urged to provide full transparency and cooperation during these examinations.