US Defense Secretary Austin Hospitalized for Bladder Issue

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was taken to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Sunday, March 13th, due to symptoms suggesting an "emergent bladder issue." The Pentagon announced Austin's hospitalization and stated that Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks would assume his duties if necessary. The White House, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Congress had been notified about the situation. It is unclear from the articles whether Austin had been admitted to the hospital yet or how long he would stay. The defense secretary brought along classified communications systems with him to the hospital. Previous reports from two hours after the incident did not provide clear information on his admission status or length of stay.