U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's recent hospitalization due to complications from prostate cancer surgery has sparked controversy, with allegations that he may have violated a U.S. law by failing to report his absence to other officials.
Legal experts have suggested that Austin's actions could contravene the "reporting of vacancies" law, which requires executive agencies to inform Congress of top-level absences and the names of those serving in an acting capacity.
In response to these allegations, the Pentagon has initiated an investigation into the incident. Concurrently, a Republican lawmaker has submitted articles of impeachment against Austin, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Austin, 70, is currently recuperating at Walter Reed Medical Center, having been moved out of the ICU. He has resumed his duties as the head of the U.S. armed forces, according to the same outlet.
The Biden administration was reportedly "embarrassed" by the situation, having been unaware of Austin's hospitalization until days after it occurred. The Pentagon has stated that it is uncertain when Austin will be discharged from the hospital, but has committed to providing daily updates until that time.
Pentagon press secretary Major General Patrick Ryder has assured the public that Austin's prognosis is good, despite ongoing discomfort. He described Austin as being in "good condition," "recovering well," and "in good spirits."
The Pentagon has also disclosed that Austin's chief of staff, Kelly Magsamen, has initiated a 30-day investigation into the circumstances surrounding Austin's hospitalization. The investigation will be led by Jennifer Walsh, the Pentagons director of administration and management.
It has been suggested that Magsamen's bout with the flu may have contributed to the delay in briefing the White House about Austin's condition. However, it has been revealed that Austin's top staffers were aware of his hospitalization on January 2, just a day after it happened, while President Joe Biden was not informed until January 4.
Magsamen has stated that the review will ensure clarity and transparency regarding the transfer of certain authorities, and that proper and timely notification is made to the President, the White House, Congress, and the American public, as appropriate.
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