Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin released from hospital

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was released from the hospital Monday following a stay for treatment of an infection after earlier prostate cancer surgery.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was released from the hospital Monday following a two-week stay for treatment of an infection after earlier prostate cancer surgery.

The delay in informing officials of his hospitalization caused controversy and a push for investigation from some lawmakers.

"The Secretary continues to recover well and, on the advice of doctors, will recuperate and perform his duties remotely for a period of time before returning full-time to the Pentagon," the Department of Defense said in a statement. "He has full access to required secure communications capabilities."

Austin underwent elective surgery to treat prostate cancer on Dec. 22. Complications from the procedure sent him back to the hospital on Jan. 1.