The Pentagon's internal watchdog has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's hospitalization.
Austin, who experienced complications following prostate surgery, did not inform the White House of his condition for several days.
The inquiry will scrutinize whether the Pentagon's procedures are adequate to ensure prompt and appropriate notifications, as well as the effective transition of authorities, should senior leaders fall ill or become unavailable, according to a memo released by Pentagon Inspector General Robert Storch on Thursday.
The probe comes amid mounting pressure on Austin to clarify the lack of transparency regarding his hospitalization, which is escalating into a political crisis within the Pentagon.
On Tuesday, Austin's doctors revealed that he had been hospitalized due to complications from prostate-cancer surgery. This disclosure shed light on health concerns that the White House admitted it was not fully aware of until just before they were made public. Austin was admitted to intensive care due to "severe pain" on January 1, but did not inform the White House of his hospitalization for several days, and did not disclose the reason for several more. Despite remaining in the hospital, Pentagon officials have stated that Austin is fulfilling his duties and his prognosis is positive.
The demand for an explanation from Congress members has intensified in recent days. On Thursday, every Republican member of the House Armed Services Committee penned a letter to Austin, Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks, and Austin's chief of staff, Kelly Magsamen, demanding answers.
"With conflicts around the world, it is preposterous that you and others in the Department allowed this to occur," the members stated. "This level of confusion surrounding not only your whereabouts, but your capacity to lead the Department has shaken what little confidence existed in any previous commitment to transparency."
On Wednesday, Republican Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi led 11 members of the Senate Armed Services Committee in demanding answers from the Pentagon.
Despite the ongoing investigation and increasing congressional pressure, President Biden continues to support his defense secretary. However, these developments ensure that questions about Austin's handling of his medical treatment and his absence will persist.
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