Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to Testify Over Secret Hospitalization

Austin's undisclosed hospitalization sparks backlash and calls for resignation, leading to a House Armed Services Committee investigation.

Austin was hospitalized on Jan. 1 for complications from a December surgery to treat prostate cancer, but President Joe Biden and top White House officials weren’t notified until three days later.
Austin transferred his responsibilities to Hicks for several days, though his deputy was initially not told that the Pentagon chief was hospitalized.
Austin was released from the hospital on Monday after a two-week stay.
The incident sparked backlash on Capitol Hill, with lawmakers in both parties clamoring for more details. Some lawmakers have even called for Austin’s resignation or firing, though Biden has resisted those calls and backed up his Defense secretary.
The House Armed Services Committee launched an investigation on Jan. 9. Some rank-and-file Republicans, including Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), had pushed for a hearing.