JUST IN: Biden's Defense Sec transfers functions and duties to Deputy Defense Sec Kathleen Hicks

Biden's Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was rushed to Walter Reed hospital on Sunday afternoon and was later admitted. He was suffering from symptoms consistent with an "emergent bladder issue." 

An update on Austin's condition was provided by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. 

"Earlier today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III was transported by his security detail to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to be seen for symptoms suggesting an emergent bladder issue. He is still at the hospital and receiving treatment. At approximately 4:55 pm today, Secretary Austin transferred the functions and duties of the office of the Secretary of Defense to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. The Deputy Secretary of Defense has assumed the functions and duties. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the White House, and Congress have been notified," Ryder stated.

Additional updates, the Pentagon noted, will be provided.

Austin was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December and had a prostatectomy on December 22. At the time, there was controversy due to the fact that he had not notified the president or the administration as to his condition once complications developed and he was readmitted to Walter Reed.

Austin's prognosis is "excellent" per his doctors.

Austin's admittance to Walter Reed on Sunday means that his planned Tuesday trip to Brussels may be postponed, though no word has been given on that.