Hillary Clinton won't testify at Benghazi hearing this week

Washington - Today it was reported U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sustained a concussion after taking a fall. At the time news of Clinton's injury was released, it was speculated she may not be able to testify this week at her Benghazi hearing as scheduled.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton fainted earlier this week after becoming dehydrated during a bout with a stomach virus. Digital Journal reported on her illness and fall where she sustained a concussion. At the time her injury was publicized, it was speculated Clinton may not be well enough to testify this week in front of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee about the Sept. 11 Benghazi attack. The Associated Press has confirmed she will not testify this week as Chairman John Kerry issued a statement. Originally, Clinton had been scheduled to appear on Thurs., Dec. 20, however, now it is being reported senior officials will appear in her place. "Senator Kerry was relieved to hear that the secretary is on the mend, but he insisted that given her condition, she could not and should not appear on Thursday as previously planned, and that the nation’s best interests are served by the report and hearings proceeding as scheduled with senior officials appearing in her place," said Jodi Seth, a spokeswoman for Chairman John Kerry (D-Mass.). According to the Huffington Post, Tom Nides and Bill Burns are the individuals that will testify in her place. A statement was issued earlier today by Philippe Reines, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, which said: While suffering from a stomach virus, Secretary Clinton became dehydrated and fainted, sustaining a concussion. She has been recovering at home and will continue to be monitored regularly by her doctors. At their recommendation, she will continue to work from home next week, staying in regular contact with Department and other officials. She is looking forward to being back in the office soon. Clinton is currently in the process of stepping down from her position in the Obama Administration and will not continue on as Secretary of State. Sen. John Kerry is currently looking like the most probable individual to become the next U.S. Secretary of State.