Calls for Senator Feinstein to Resign Grow during her Absence
Amidst a two-month absence from Washington D.C., members of the Democratic Party are calling for California Senator Dianne Feinstein to resign.
Senator Feinstein, 89 years old, is the longest-serving woman senator in United States history. She plans to retire at the end of her term in 2024.
Absence from the Capitol
In early February, Senator Feinstein was diagnosed with Shingles, an infection that reactivates Chickenpox and causes a painful rash on the body.
While she was expected to return from the bout sometime in March, it is now unclear when she plans on going back to Washington. In a press release, she stated she “intends to return as soon as possible once my medical team advises that it’s safe for me to travel.”
However, her prolonged absence has made things complicated for her colleagues, particularly in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Democrats hold a single-seat majority on the committee but with her absence, it is an even 8-8.
Although Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer tried a resolution to replace her, it was blocked by Senator Lindsay Graham, the top Republican on the committee. Senate Minority Leader Mitch Mcconnell also opposed the move stating it would allow judges he believed were “unqualified” to be approved.
As a result, the Biden Administration hasn’t been able to get any of its nominees approved.
Calls for Resignation
Due to her prolonged absence from the Senate, and questions about her ability to serve, many in her own party are calling for Feinstein’s resignation.
Ro Khanna, a California Democrat in the House of Representatives, called for her resignation, claiming she was an “absentee” senator. Other House Democrats such as Dean Phillips and Jamaal Bowman have also stated that she should resign with the former stating it is a “dereliction of duty” if she stays.
However, prominent politicians on the Hill haven’t been quick to agree with them. Senator Chuck Grassley, who is the same age as Feinstein, believes the calls for resignation are solely due to her age. While Representative Nancy Pelosi signaled that the calls are sexist.
We’ll make sure to update you when Feinstein returns to Capitol Hill. Until then, keep up with BOMA on the Frontline for the latest news in Greater Los Angeles.
