GOP Rep. Cory Mills demands Lloyd Austin resign after ‘deeply disturbing’ scandal
Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL) and several House Republicans are calling for the resignation of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin following a scandal surrounding his failure to disclose his hospitalization. The demand comes after it was revealed that Austin had been hospitalized on Jan. 1 due to complications from a surgery on Dec. 22 but continued to fulfill his duties as defense secretary since Jan. 5. The lack of communication regarding his hospitalization has raised concerns and sparked intense scrutiny.
Mills, along with Reps. Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Matt Rosendale (R-MT), and Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), sent a letter to Austin on Friday, stating their concerns and requesting his immediate resignation. The letter highlighted the breach of national security caused by Austin’s failure to communicate his incapacitation to the White House, Congress, his subordinates, and the American people.
The letter stated, Either your team failed to follow the necessary notification procedures, or they ignored the necessary procedures. Both are unacceptable and reflect poorly on your leadership. It emphasized that Austin’s actions called into question his judgment, that of his team, and that of the Biden administration as a whole.
In response to the situation, Mills expressed his concern for the national security of the United States and demanded Austin’s resignation. He stated that Austin’s decision not to notify President Biden and NSA Sullivan about his hospitalization constituted a significant national security breach and potentially violated U.S. Code by not disclosing his temporary vacancy. Mills emphasized the dangerous position the U.S. faces globally and the impact this episode has had on the country.
This is not the first time Mills has called for Austin’s resignation. Last August, he introduced articles of impeachment against Austin, citing the botched and shameful handling of the Biden administration’s withdrawal in Afghanistan. Mills argued that accountability and transparency are crucial, especially when the safety of American citizens is at stake.
Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA), a congressional Democrat, has also joined the chorus calling for Austin’s resignation. Deluzio cited the lack of transparency regarding Austin’s medical treatment and its impact on the chain of command as the reason for his loss of trust in Austin’s leadership. Deluzio’s statement highlighted his duty to oversee the Department of Defense and emphasized that calling for Austin’s resignation was necessary in fulfilling that duty.
The scandal surrounding Lloyd Austin’s undisclosed hospitalization has drawn criticism from both sides of the aisle, with demands for his resignation growing. As the situation unfolds, lawmakers and the public are closely watching how the Biden administration handles this breach of transparency in a crucial leadership position.
Please note: This article has been generated using AI language model and may not reflect the views or opinions of the news agency.
