Justice Department Announces Procedure and Delegation of Duties
WASHINGTON — Attorney General Merrick Garland is set to undergo back surgery this weekend, with his duties being delegated to Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco during the procedure, according to the Justice Department. The announcement comes in the wake of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s return to work after a secret hospitalization for prostate cancer.
Minimally Invasive Surgery and Expected Recovery
Garland, 71, will be placed under general anesthesia for the minimally invasive back procedure, which is scheduled to last approximately 90 minutes on Saturday. Xochitl Hinojosa, director of public affairs at the Justice Department, stated that Garland is expected to return home on the same day. Following the surgery, Garland will delegate his duties to Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, who will assume his responsibilities before, during, and for a brief period after the procedure. The attorney general is anticipated to resume his duties during the week of February 5th.
Defense Secretary’s Return and Criticism
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has returned to the Pentagon after an absence of nearly a month. Austin had undergone surgery for prostate cancer on December 22nd and was subsequently admitted to intensive care due to extreme pain. The decision to keep his hospitalization and cancer diagnosis a secret drew criticism, leading to ongoing reviews and changes in federal guidelines to ensure greater transparency regarding Cabinet members’ health conditions.
Improved Transparency and Delegation Guidelines
In response to Austin’s lack of disclosure, new guidelines have been implemented to inform the White House whenever a Cabinet head is unable to fulfill their duties. The Justice Department promptly notified the White House about Garland’s upcoming surgery and the delegation of his responsibilities, adhering to the revised protocols. White House spokeswoman Olivia Dalton confirmed the receipt of this information.
Transparent Communication
This is not the first time Attorney General Garland’s medical procedures have been communicated to the public. In a similar vein, his office announced a routine medical procedure in 2022 well in advance, providing details of the expected duration of his absence and his anticipated return to work.
