Democratic Sen. Bob Casey says of Austin's initial silence on hospitalization "there's no way it's acceptable" — "The Takeout"

As the Pentagon inspector general launches an investigation into Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's failure to inform the Biden White House and other top Pentagon officials about severe medical consequences stemming from prostate cancer treatment, Sen. Bob Casey, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, told CBS News on "The Takeout" podcast this week, "There has to be a lot more transparency."

"No one should say that this is acceptable," Casey, a Pennsylvania Democrat, said. "There's no way it's acceptable. When you're in that position, you're in a chain of command and also in succession to the presidency. There has to be a lot more transparency. That's paramount."

The Pentagon had already announced an internal review of Austin's medical situation and the failure to notify President Biden or national security adviser Jake Sullivan of a serious urinary tract infection that flared after Austin's prostate cancer surgery. Pain from the infection led Austin to be taken by ambulance to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and placed in intensive care. Austin had the prostate procedure on Dec. 22. He participated in a conference call with Mr. Biden on New Year's Day but was hospitalized later that day. Some Pentagon officials were notified on Jan. 2. The White House was not informed until Jan. 4. Key members of Congress received only scant details through Jan. 7. The president did not learn of Austin's cancer diagnosis until Jan. 9.