Polk Times

WASHINGTON, DC — Members of the MACH 1 Caucus, including Rep. Scott Franklin (R-FL), are demanding answers from President Joe Biden regarding Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's delayed notification of his recent hospitalization. In a letter addressed to the President, the Caucus expressed their concern over the lack of transparency and the breach of public trust caused by Secretary Austin's evasiveness.

Rep. Franklin, a career Naval aviator, stated, "Sec. Austin’s evasiveness and lack of transparency is completely unacceptable and constitutes a serious breach of the public’s trust. The fact that the Administration was unaware for several days of the Secretary’s condition is at best a shocking display of incompetence. It also raises important questions Americans deserve answers to."

The letter from the MACH 1 Caucus raises several critical questions regarding the chain of command in Secretary Austin's absence. Rep. Franklin demanded to know who was at the helm while the Secretary was incapacitated and questioned the Deputy Secretary's absence from the country. He also asked who gave final approval for important operations, such as the drone strike to take out Abu Taqwa and the coordination of U.S. support in the Middle East and Ukraine.

Rep. Franklin emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "We’re walking a thin line to avoid all-out war in the Middle East while the Secretary of Defense is missing in action. Congress must investigate this colossal blunder, and the Secretary should resign immediately."

The MACH 1 Caucus consists of former military pilots in Congress who utilize their military knowledge and experience to develop meaningful policies and educate their colleagues on matters related to the nation's Air Power.

In the letter, the Caucus members expressed their belief that Secretary Austin's violation of the Pentagon's Principles of Information and his serious lapse in judgment warrant his immediate resignation. They also called for the resignation of any staff involved in covering up his hospitalization. If the Secretary does not resign, the Caucus demands that he be immediately dismissed.

This demand for answers and accountability has been made public through the official website of Rep. Scott Franklin, where the full letter can be accessed.

The absence of Secretary Austin has raised concerns among members of Congress, particularly those with a military background. The MACH 1 Caucus is determined to ensure that the public's trust is not compromised and that there is proper oversight and leadership within the Biden Administration.

The call for Secretary Austin's resignation or dismissal highlights the severity of the situation and the need for immediate action. The MACH 1 Caucus intends to pursue a thorough investigation to prevent any further blunders that could jeopardize national security.

Source: [Franklin.house.gov](https://franklin.house.gov/2024/1/franklin-mach-1-caucus-demands-answers-regarding-secretary-austin-s-absence)

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