Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was rushed to the hospital Sunday for symptoms of an "emergent" bladder issue, less than a month after his previous secret stay at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center sparked controversy.

Austin, 70, was taken back to Walter Reed by his security detail at 2:20 p.m. Sunday, according to Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary. Just before 5 p.m., he transferred his authority to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks.

He remained at the hospital Sunday evening, Ryder said.

Unlike his previous hospitalization that began Jan. 1, Austin notified the White House, Congress and Pentagon officials, Ryder said in a statement.

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