Texas Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D) recently criticized Republican Congressional members who called for Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to resign amid allegations of negligence of duties.
“I am stunned that any member of Congress would choose to grab the limelight by calling for a medaled combat veteran that has served this nation and continues to serve his nation to resign!” tweeted Rep. Jackson Lee.
I am stunned that any member of Congress would choose to grab the limelight by calling for a medaled combat veteran that has served this nation and continues to serve his nation to resign!
— Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) January 8, 2024
Several GOP lawmakers have called for Austin to step down after it was discovered that he had been in the hospital for days and had failed to notify President Joe Biden (D).
“I am further outraged that the Republicans when the nation needs Secretary Austin’s leadership would play partisan politics with the national security of this nation. It is absurd and unacceptable.”
I am further outraged that the Republicans when the nation needs Secretary Austin’s leadership would play partisan politics with the national security of this nation. It is absurd and unacceptable.
— Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) January 8, 2024
“General Lloyd Austin, Secretary of Defense has served his nation in combat and now as the President's appointee as Secretary of Defense. In all of his service he has served with excellence,” stated the Texas congresswoman.
General Lloyd Austin, Secretary of Defense has served his nation in combat and now as the President's appointee as Secretary of Defense. In all of his service he has served with excellence.
— Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) January 8, 2024
On Dec. 22, Sec. Austin was admitted to the hospital to have a medical procedure. However, on Jan. 1, Austin was readmitted after he experienced severe pain. Gen. Austin would remain hospitalized until Jan. 4.
“I personally disagree with and have a sense of disappointment in the attacks that he is receiving during a time when he is dealing with personal medical issues. There has been no reporting of any lack of appropriate response to his duties.”
I personally disagree with and have a sense of disappointment in the attacks that he is receiving during a time when he is dealing with personal medical issues. There has been no reporting of any lack of appropriate response to his duties.
— Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) January 8, 2024
During the general’s hospitalization, his chief of staff Kelly Magsamen was supposed to notify others of his absence. Magsamen, however, was unable to because she herself was sick.
“There is no challenge that his duties have been left unattended. He has a personal right to receive personal confidential medical care. When appropriate, the President of United States will comment as he sees fit.”
There is no challenge that his duties have been left unattended. He has a personal right to receive personal confidential medical care. When appropriate, the President of United States will comment as he sees fit.
— Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) January 8, 2024
Despite bipartisan concern over the events, many have come to Sec. Austin’s defense and claimed he is a hard worker who is not “out of the loop.”
“General Austin doesn’t deserve this unnecessary scrutiny and criticism while he is addressing his medical issues. Remember, he is a combat veteran and has every right to have good health care and to have good health. Let’s let him and his family handle this.”
General Austin doesn’t deserve this unnecessary scrutiny and criticism while he is addressing his medical issues. Remember, he is a combat veteran and has every right to have good health care and to have good health. Let’s let him and his family handle this.
— Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) January 8, 2024
Sec. Austin took responsibility for his actions in a statement that was released on Saturday.
“I recognize I could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed. I commit to doing better,” said Sec. Austin.
The Secretary of Defense continued, “But this is important to say: this was my medical procedure, and I take full responsibility for my decisions about disclosure.”
As of now, Sec. Austin remains hospitalized at Walter Reed and it is unclear the exact date he will be released.
