UPDATE: Senator Dianne Feinstein responds to calls on her to resign due to her being absent in Washington.
Senator Feinstein sent the following letter to Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer:
“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.”
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WASHINGTON, DC (LOOTPRESS) – Democrats want Senator Dianne Feinstein to resign.
Two House Democratic members took to Twitter and called longtime Senator Dianne Feinstein to resign due to her ongoing absence.
It’s time for @SenFeinstein to resign. We need to put the country ahead of personal loyalty. While she has had a lifetime of public service, it is obvious she can no longer fulfill her duties. Not speaking out undermines our credibility as elected representatives of the people.
— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) April 12, 2023
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
House Democrat members Ro Khanna and Dean Phillips said it was time and thanked her for her lifetime contributions and public service. They say not speaking out is also wrong.
Feinstein is 89 and hasn’t cast a vote since mid-February when she was diagnosed with shingles. She was released from the hospital and had been recovering at home. Feinstein hasn’t returned to Washington since then, holding up judicial nominations. Feinstein sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, where Democrats hold 11 votes and Republicans control 10 votes. For judicial nominees to move to the floor, they must pass with a majority, which they can’t do due to Feinstein not being there. The nominees will not move to the floor if there is a tie. The committee chair, Dick Durbin, has been delaying the meetings due to her absence.
Politico reports that two people in touch with Feinstein said they thought she could serve out the rest of her term, but they don’t believe she will be able to return to Washington.
Feinstein announced in February that she would not seek re-election in 2024, which is setting up to be a big battle with prominent California Democrats. If Feinstein were to step down, California Governor Gavin Newson would appoint her successor until her term ended.
Reps Katie Porter, Barbara Lee, and Adam Schiff have each said they were running in 2024 for the Senate seat.
Feinstein has been representing California in the Senate since 1992.