U.S. Defense Secretary released from hospital after cancer diagnosis

(Washington, DC)  --  Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is out of the hospital after a positive cancer diagnosis and scrutiny from lawmakers over a lack of notification to important administrative officials.  

The Pentagon said he was released from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Monday. Austin was admitted to the hospital two weeks ago due to complication from prostate cancer surgery. He will work remotely "for a period of time" while having "full access" to secure communications capabilities.

The Pentagon did not disclose Austin had been hospitalized until days after he had been admitted. Lawmakers, including Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) have demanded answers about why the White House and Congress were not notified about the hospitalization.