(AP) — A Republican congressman who has represented North Carolina for over two decades has entered hospice care.

A news release issued Saturday on the official government page for U.S. Rep. Walter Jones Jr. says that his health has declined since he recently broke his hip and that he’s in hospice care.

He had been battling ailments in recent months. He was granted a leave of absence from Congress in late 2018 after missing a number of votes.

“The family asks for your prayers, and for their privacy to be respected during this difficult time,” said the release.

Jones was re-elected to the U.S. House in November after running unopposed in a district that includes Kinston, Greenville and New Bern. He has served in Congress since 1995.

RELATED:

Rep. Walter Jones breaks hip in fall at home

Jones not running in 2020; misses first day of new Congress