WASHINGTON – California Senator Dianne Feinstein has returned to Congress from a months-long medical leave of absence, sparking questions about her health and ability to continue serving in government. The senator, who is the oldest-serving member of the US Senate, missed over 50 votes during her leave but has participated in several votes since returning to Congress. However, sources have reportedly revealed that staff has long used a system to ensure Feinstein is never unaccompanied within the Capitol for fear of what the senator might say to reporters.
Feinstein has faced renewed calls to resign amid questions about her health and fitness to serve. The senator recently returned to Washington after a three-month absence, during which time her committee duties were fulfilled by other members, jeopardizing the confirmation of Joe Biden’s judicial nominees. The 88-year-old, who has been Senate Judiciary Committee Chair, has reportedly suffered memory losses and has been reliant on staff to fulfill her job duties. Some fellow Democrats, including California Representative Ro Khanna, have called for her resignation.
However, Feinstein has denied rumors of cognitive decline and that she has not been absent from her work, despite taking a two-and-a-half-month leave of absence while she recovered from shingles. The California senator, who will not seek re-election in 2024, spoke briefly to reporters in an elevator, insisting she had been present and voting in the chamber.
If Feinstein were to step down, her replacement would not automatically have the same authority she holds on the judiciary and appropriations committees due to her seniority. Feinstein’s decision not to run for another term in the US Senate has triggered a race to succeed her in California. Two members of Congress from Southern California, Katie Porter and Adam Schiff, have already declared they are running and are amassing the millions of dollars needed for a statewide campaign.
Senate Democrats are facing Republican opposition to their request for a temporary replacement for Senator Feinstein, who has been absent since February and is unlikely to return to Senate Judiciary Committee duties soon. Feinstein, 89, made the request last week due to concerns about judicial nominees and calls for her resignation amid questions about her cognitive health. On Tuesday, Republicans criticized the proposal to replace her with Democrat Ben Cardin, while Republican Leader Mitch McConnell called it “an extremely unusual” request.
Feinstein’s absence has led to concerns about Senate Democrats’ ability to push through President Biden’s judicial nominees. Although a temporary replacement is typically a rare but unremarkable request, Feinstein’s age and health concerns have particularly amplified doubts within Democratic circles over her continued fitness to serve. If she were to resign, it would be easier for Democrats, as the procedure would involve California Governor Gavin Newsom appointing a replacement. However, Senate Republicans have rejected a proposal by Democrats to temporarily substitute Senator Feinstein, leaving Democrats with few options for moving some of President Joe Biden’s stalled judicial nominees.
In conclusion, the situation surrounding Senator Dianne Feinstein’s health and ability to fulfill her duties has raised concerns and sparked calls for her resignation. Her temporary absence from Congress has highlighted the importance of her position on the Senate Judiciary Committee and the challenges that arise if she is unable to fulfill her duties. The controversy surrounding this issue will likely continue as the Senate considers options for addressing the situation.
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