In a recent development, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Representative Mike Rogers, has formally requested Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to testify before the committee regarding his failure to disclose his hospitalization following complications from prostate cancer. The testimony is scheduled to take place on February 14, 2024, at 10 a.m.

Rogers, a Republican from Alabama, sent a letter to Austin expressing the need for clarity on the situation, particularly concerning the mishandled notification process. The congressman stated that it is crucial for Congress to understand the events that unfolded and identify those responsible for suppressing information related to a cabinet secretary's whereabouts.

"The lack of transparency exhibited necessitates a Full Committee hearing to obtain your direct testimony regarding decisions made to withhold information from the President, Congress, and the American people," Rogers emphasized in the letter.

The Department of Defense has faced significant criticism in recent weeks for its lack of transparency surrounding Austin's hospitalization and a subsequent breakdown in communication, which left senior Pentagon officials and the White House unaware of the situation for several days. As a result, the Pentagon ordered a thirty-day review of the notification process, while the Defense Department inspector general initiated an investigation.

Chairman Rogers stated that during a recent phone conversation with Austin, the Defense Secretary failed to provide satisfactory answers to key questions related to the incident. Rogers expressed alarm over Austin's suspected instruction to his staff not to inform either the President or anyone else about his hospitalization, leading him to believe that vital information is being withheld from Congress.

In the letter, Rogers included a list of questions that he expects Austin to address during the upcoming testimony.

The Pentagon spokesperson, Jeff Jurgensen, confirmed that the department received Rogers' request and has committed to cooperating with the House Armed Services Committee. Jurgensen assured that the Defense Department will respond to congressional requests as necessary, including those regarding the Secretary's testimony.

As the investigation into the delayed disclosure of Austin's hospitalization continues, it remains to be seen how the Defense Secretary will address the committee's concerns in his forthcoming testimony. The outcome of this hearing may have significant implications for the transparency and accountability of the Department of Defense moving forward.