At 89, California Senator Dianne Feinstein is clearly past her prime. And now, her colleagues are finally taking notice.
News of this comes to us as Feinstein has now missed nearly three-fourths of all Senate votes for this session so far, according to NPR. The outlet points out that the primary reason for such is a myriad of health issues.
If you hadn’t heard, Feinstein was diagnosed with shingles in early March. Now, to be sure, in older or elderly adults such as Feinstein, whose immune systems may no longer be what they used to be, the disease can be quite painful and even deadly. So taking precautions like staying home from work or working from her San Francisco home is a requirement.
As Feinstein posted to her Twitter account on March 7, she is recovering well and receiving treatment so that she may return “to the Senate as soon as possible.”
I want to thank everyone for the well wishes and the hospital staff for providing excellent care. I’m recovering at home now while I continue receiving treatment and look forward to returning to the Senate as soon as possible.
— Senator Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) March 7, 2023
She had apparently hoped to return sometime in late March or “by the end of the March work period.”
But complications with her “diagnosis” has arisen, according to a more recent Twitter update. And these complications are causing her time off to be extended significantly.
Now, what this means for Feinstein herself is that little has changed. She is recovering, but rather slowly, I’d say.
However, the same cannot be said of her duties in Washington. There are a lot of things that working from home as a Senator cannot achieve.
You know, like being present to vote in and confirm presidential judicial nominations.
If you weren’t aware, the Biden administration is trying to push through a number of federal judgeships that are waiting for a Senate Judiciary Committee vote. And Feinstein’s absence has delayed ten so far.
Naturally, some of her co-workers aren’t exactly pleased by this. Those such as fellow Californian Ro Khanna say it’s another sign that Feinstein should resign and give her place to another.
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
And it seems as though the oldest Congressional member agrees – at least when it comes to her seat on the Judiciary Committee.
On Wednesday, she asked Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to temporarily replace her on the committee so that work can continue despite her absence.
Just how “temporary” that ends up being, though, is quite a controversial matter.
