Interior Alaska News

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan, along with 11 fellow members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), has raised concerns regarding Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's recent incapacitation and the subsequent transfer of authority within the Department of Defense. The Senators have addressed a letter to Secretary Austin questioning the department's handling of the situation and its compliance with legal requirements.

The Senators are troubled by what they perceive as a violation of law due to delays in notifying Congress and other key officials about Secretary Austin's condition. They argue that this delay poses a threat to national security and continuity of government operations. The letter calls for an immediate update on events following Secretary Austin's illness and demands answers to more than 15 specific questions.

Senator Sullivan is joined by Senators Roger Wicker, Deb Fischer, Tom Cotton, Mike Rounds, Joni Ernst, Kevin Cramer, Rick Scott, Tommy Tuberville, Ted Budd, Markwayne Mullin, and Eric Schmitt in seeking clarification from the Department of Defense.

In their communication with Secretary Austin, the Senators state: "We first want to wish you well, and we hope you enjoy a speedy recovery. However, we are deeply troubled by the apparent breakdown in communications between your office and the rest of the Department of Defense." They emphasize that clear communication is essential for ensuring national security.

The letter further outlines concerns regarding compliance with the Federal Vacancies Reform Act (FVRA) and questions why certain statutory notification requirements were not met promptly. It also seeks details on whether similar transfers of authority have occurred without Congressional notification in the past.

The Senators expect relevant Department of Defense officials to brief Congress by January 19th with comprehensive answers to their inquiries.