Durbin: Rep. Jackson has 'responsibility' to share details about medical condition

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) had a "responsibility" to release more information about his medical condition, which has caused the congressman to go on leave.

"As a public official, there comes a point when you have a responsibility to tell the public what's going on," Durbin said at a press conference in Chicago, according to Crain's Chicago Business on Monday.

He added that Jackson "will soon have to make a report on the physical condition he's struggling with."

Durbin's comments are in response to an announcement from Jackson's office on Thursday that the congressman's condition, which is unspecified, is "more serious" than had originally been thought.

The nine-term House lawmaker is currently in treatment for "certain physical and emotional ailments," according to Jackson's office.

Prior to the statement, Jackson had been taking a medical leave from Congress since June 10, reportedly because of exhaustion. Jackson's office has kept quiet on details of his ailment and where he is receiving treatment. His office has only said that he is receiving care at a medical facility.

"According to the preliminary diagnosis from his doctors, Congressman Jackson will need to receive extended in-patient treatment as well as continuing medical treatment thereafter. We ask that you keep Congressman Jackson and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult period," the statement from Jackson's office said.

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