Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein is an absolute dinosaur on Capitol Hill, and her prolonged absence has sparked calls from even her own party for her to resign. In response, Feinstein requested for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to “temporarily” fill her seat on a key committee that decides judicial nominees.
The 89-year-old lawmaker has been at home, recovering from shingles, for more than four weeks. This has caused her to miss dozens of floor votes, as well as the ability to uphold Democrats’ approval of President Joe Biden’s pending judicial nominees. The nominees have to pass through the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is currently split right down the middle with Feinstein out.
Several of her party members have called for something to be done. Rep. Ro Khanna called for Feinstein to resign, declaring that “it is obvious she can no longer fulfill her duties.”
Rep. Dean Phillips agreed with Khanna.
“Senator Feinstein is a remarkable American whose contributions to our country are immeasurable,” Phillips tweeted. “But I believe it’s now a dereliction of duty to remain in the Senate and a dereliction of duty for those who agree to remain quiet.”
I agree with @RoKhanna. Senator Feinstein is a remarkable American whose contributions to our country are immeasurable. But I believe it’s now a dereliction of duty to remain in the Senate and a dereliction of duty for those who agree to remain quiet. https://t.co/lvaHhLJYsi
— Rep. Dean Phillips ???????? (@RepDeanPhillips) April 12, 2023
On Wednesday, Feinstein responded to the calls for her resignation in a statement, in which she argued that she’s had complications from her illness but that she plans to return to work “as soon as possible.”
In the meantime, the senator asked Schumer to “temporarily” replace her on the committee.
Feinstein’s full statement reads:
When I was first diagnosed with shingles, I expected to return by the end of the March work period. Unfortunately, my return to Washington has been delayed due to continued complications related to my diagnosis.
I intend to return as soon as possible once my medical team advises that it’s safe for me to travel. In the meantime, I remain committed to the job and will continue to work from home in San Francisco.
I understand that my absence could delay the important work of the Judiciary Committee, so I’ve asked Leader Schumer to ask the Senate to allow another Democratic senator to temporarily serve until I’m able to resume my committee work.
According to a spokesperson for Schumer, he has agreed to Feinsteins request: “Per Sen. Feinstein’s wishes, Majority Leader Schumer will ask the Senate next week to allow another Democratic Senator to temporarily serve on the Judiciary Committee.”
Schumer spox: “Per Sen. Feinstein’s wishes, Majority Leader Schumer will ask the Senate next week to allow another Democratic Senator to temporarily serve on the Judiciary Committee.” https://t.co/zIaCSaJCco
— Andrew Desiderio (@AndrewDesiderio) April 13, 2023
