• Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein faces calls to step down amid extended absence from the Senate
• The lawmaker announced in March that she contracted the shingles
• Feinstein's health has continued to be a matter of concern for Democrats worried that she will not be able to come back to Washington to work

Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein is facing calls to resign from her colleagues amid an extended Senate absence stemming from various health issues.

In early March, the lawmaker announced that she contracted the shingles, and her staff noted that the senator had plans to return to the Senate floor in a few weeks. However, several Democrats close to Feinstein, including top-raking congressional aides, have become increasingly worried that the senator will not be able to return to Washington to work.

Dianne Feinstein Faces Calls to Resign Amid Health Issues

The 89-year-old Democrat has already spent almost two months away from the Capitol, and she spent a bit of her time in the hospital before returning home to San Francisco to recover. Three people have recently visited Feinstein or been briefed about her condition. Politico says her diagnosis appears to have taken a significant toll on her body.

Several other confidants, including two individuals who have either seen or spoken to Feinstein, underscored that they were still optimistic that the Democrat would be able to serve out the two years that remain in her term.

However, neither of the two, who addressed the matter under the condition of anonymity, said that they were confident that Feinstein would be able to do so from Washington. Furthermore, aides and confidants must provide a specific timeline for the senator's prospective return to the Capitol.

The lawmaker's spokesperson, Adam Russell, also said there had been no update on Feinstein's expected to return to Washington. However, at least one of the senator's associates said she was "making good progress in her recovery."

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Prioritize the Country Over Personal Loyalty

On Wednesday, Rep. Ro Khanna of California was the first member of Congress to call on Feinstein to step down from her post. He posted on Twitter that it was time for the senator to resign. According to NBC News, Khanna noted that lawmakers should prioritize the country's fate over their personal loyalty.

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

The California lawmaker said that while Feinstein has already given a lifetime of public service, it is evident that she could no longer fulfill her duties properly. Khanna added that not speaking out undermines their credibility as elected representatives of the American people.

Amid Feinstein's potential resignation, a Black woman would replace her based on California Gov. Gavin Newsom's pledge in March 2021 to appoint one if the elderly senator steps down before the end of her term.

In addition to Khanna, Rep. Dean Philipps of Minnesota also spoke out and called for Feinstein to resign. He noted that while the senator is a remarkable American with various contributions, it was now a dereliction of duty to remain in the Senate for those who agree to stay quiet, said The Hill.

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