News

Sen. Diane Feinstein Resists Calls To Resign, Asks To Step Down From Judiciary Committee

Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-California) asked to temporarily step down from her post on the Senate judiciary committee as the 89-year-old recovers from a severe bout of shingles.

“I understand that my absence could delay the important work of the Judiciary Committee,” Feinstein said in a statement on Wednesday. “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.”

Schumer agreed to rally Democratic support to temporarily remove the committee assignment.

Feinstein’s absence has held up judicial appointments in the chamber. The missed opportunities to appoint federal judges have led to further calls from progressives for Feinstein to step down. She has missed 58 Senate votes since her diagnosis in February.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of political news in your in-box.
We find the news you need to know, so you don't have to.

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-California) was among the first Democrats to call on Feinstein to step down.

“We need to put the country ahead of personal loyalty,” Khanna tweeted. “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.”

Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minnesota) echoed Khanna’s sentiment, calling Feinstein’s refusal to step down a “dereliction of duty.”

Feinstein, who is reported to have dealt with memory issues since her husband, Richard Blum, died in 2022, remains steadfast that she will return to her job.

“When I was first diagnosed with shingles, I expected to return by the end of the March work period,” she said. “Unfortunately, my return to Washington has been delayed due to continued complications related to my diagnosis.”

Feinstein declared she would not seek reelection for her Senate seat in the next election. Californians will vote for her replacement in less than two years.

Three  California Democratic representatives have already thrown their hats in the race – Reps. Katie PorterAdam Schiff and Barbara Lee.

Ben Shimkus

Share
Published by
Ben Shimkus

Recent Posts

Fed Chair Jerome Powell Corrects Trump On Fed Headquarters Renovation Costs During Tour

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell corrected President Donald Trump on Thursday during a tour of…

2 hours ago

Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem Effectiveness During Texas Floods Questioned: ‘We Don’t Manage These Disasters’

At President Donald Trump's sixth Cabinet meeting held earlier this month, the room filled with…

1 day ago

Trump Administration Deports 5 Migrants To Small African Nation Of Eswatini – Where None Of Them Are From

The Trump Administration deported five migrants with criminal records to a small African country last…

1 day ago

Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Will Increase Deficit By $3.4 Trillion & Kick 10 Million Off Health Insurance, CBO Finds

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office's final estimate for the impact of President Donald Trump's "Big,…

1 day ago

Trump EPA Seeks To Repeal Authority To Enforce Climate Change Regulations

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to propose the repeal of the 2009 declaration…

1 day ago

Attorney General Pam Bondi Reportedly Told Trump His Name Appeared In Epstein Files 2 Months Ago

Attorney General Pam Bondi told President Donald Trump that his name appeared in files related…

1 day ago