Congressman August Pfluger | Congressman August Pfluger Official website
Congressman August Pfluger | Congressman August Pfluger Official website
Four members of the MACH 1 Caucus, a coalition of former military pilots and current lawmakers, have sent a letter to President Joe Biden expressing their concerns and disappointment regarding Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's delayed notification of his recent hospitalization. In the letter, the members call for Secretary Austin's resignation or immediate dismissal if he does not resign.
The letter states that Secretary Austin's failure to notify the proper officials of his absence is a breach of protocol and a dereliction of duty. They argue that it is unacceptable for the principal cabinet member responsible for national security to be absent without notice or designating an alternative chain of command. Particularly at a time of global instability with conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, it is dangerous and concerning that the person leading the armed forces does not follow proper protocol.
The members of the MACH 1 Caucus, being former military pilots themselves, emphasize the importance of Secretary Austin's availability to respond to potential national security crises. They believe that his violation of the Pentagon's Principles of Information and the serious lapse in judgment warrant his immediate resignation, as well as the resignation of any staff involved in covering up his hospitalization.
In the letter, they pose several questions to President Biden, seeking clarification on the extent of Secretary Austin's incapacitation during his surgery, the involvement of Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks in decision-making processes, and the timeline of notifications to the President, Congress, and key military members.
They also request information on any disciplinary action that will be taken against Secretary Austin and staff members who failed to meet the standards of public disclosure for senior government officials.
The letter concludes by thanking President Biden for his attention to the matter. It is signed by Representatives August Pfluger, Scott Franklin, Jake Ellzey, and Mike Garcia.
The MACH 1 Caucus's letter highlights the concerns of these lawmakers regarding Secretary Austin's unnotified absence and calls for accountability in upholding the principles of public disclosure and proper protocol in matters of national security.
To learn more, click on this link: https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=967
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