Defense Secretary Austin Returns to Walter Reed for Follow-Up After Prostate Surgery
• Defense Secretary Austin returned to Walter Reed hospital for routine exam after 2-week stay for prostate cancer surgery • Austin, 70, developed severe infection after surgery on Dec. 22 and was admitted to Walter Reed on Jan. 1, spending 4 days in ICU • Austin delayed informing White House, staff, and Congress about diagnosis, treatment, and return to hospital • Failure to disclose serious illness and hospitalization sparked bipartisan outrage and investigations • Austin has been recovering at home; prognosis is excellent but he will face tough questions from Congress about communication failure