Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is set to testify before the House Armed Services Committee today, facing tough questions regarding his recent hospitalization. The committee is concerned about the delay in informing President Biden and the public about Austin's health status, especially during a time of heightened global tensions.
House Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation, calling it 'totally unacceptable' that it took over three days to notify the President that the Secretary of Defense was hospitalized and temporarily unable to fulfill his duties. The committee members are particularly troubled by the lack of communication during critical international events, such as conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, attacks on U.S. ships in the Red Sea, and threats to military bases in Iraq and Syria.
Congressman Michael Waltz, a member of the Armed Services Committee, plans to address several key issues during the hearing. He questions the decision-making process that led to the delay in informing Deputy Secretary of Defense and the President about the transfer of authority. Waltz also raises concerns about the lack of transparency with the American people and the Commander-in-Chief, emphasizing the importance of accountability and duty in such a crucial role.
The focus of the hearing is not just on procedural improvements but on the judgment and responsibility of high-ranking officials in national security positions. The committee aims to ensure that incidents like this do not compromise the nation's security and the trust of the American people in their government.
