(LibertySociety.com) – Since Senator Dianne Feinstein announced that she was hospitalized for shingles on March 2nd, 2023, the Senate Judiciary Committee has been unable to perform important duties for the Biden administration’s agenda, including confirming judicial appointments by President Joe Biden. Now some Democrat lawmakers are calling for her to resign from her position, which would allow California Governor Gavin Newsom to appoint a replacement for her until her term expires in 2024. Feinstein, who will turn 90 in June, announced on February 14th, 2023, that she would be retiring in 2024 after serving in the Senate since 1992.
Feinstein released a statement on April 12th, 2023, requesting Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to appoint a temporary replacement Democrat senator to serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee until she can return, citing complications of her recovery. She also stated that she is working from home and will return when she is cleared to travel by the team of healthcare workers who are overseeing her progress.
Representative Ro Khanna, D-Calif., released a statement expressing his frustration with the hindrances that her absence has caused, stating that Senator Feinstein missing votes “to confirm judges who will uphold reproductive rights” is unacceptable and that women’s rights and voting rights are in jeopardy. Khanna also tweeted that he believes Senator Feinstein needs to resign, writing that “it is obvious that she can no longer fulfill her duties” and calling on his colleagues to set personal loyalty aside and put the country first.
Shortly after Khanna tweeted, Representative Dean Phillips, D-Minn., quote tweeted Khanna, writing that he agrees that it is time for Feinstein to resign, while also calling out colleagues who refuse to speak up about her lengthy absence. Phillips expressed his gratitude for her service but believes that by not resigning, she is derelict in her duties in the Senate. Governor Gavin Newsom was asked to comment on the remarks by Khanna, but his spokesperson only said that he was not seeking a resignation from Feinstein.
According to reports, Democrats attempted but failed to fulfill Feinstein’s request this week. Republicans objected to the move, with Senator Mitch McConnell saying that his party would not be “sidelining” a member of the committee “just so Democrats can force through their very worst nominees.”
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