The defense secretary’s hospitalization leads to a requirement for government agencies to submit current delegation policies.
White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients launched a review of the delegation protocols of each Cabinet department this week, sending a memo formally requesting that agencies “submit your existing protocols for a delegation of authority” for review by January 12. This is the latest action taken by the White House in the wake of the secret hospitalization of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, which caused a commotion within the federal government for several days.
Cabinet leaders, especially the defense secretary, are supposed to be ready for immediate emergency action at all times. Secretary Austin was taken by ambulance to a hospital on January 1, which was not disclosed to the Pentagon or President Joe Biden for three days. Secretary Austin returned to his full duties while remaining hospitalized, but federal leaders have continued to express concerns at the secrecy surrounding his condition.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the president and his administration officials as they seek to ensure proper delegation of authorities in federal agencies.
- For Cabinet secretaries and their staff as they provide the White House with their delegation protocols.
Sources: Reuters, Axios
