Democrats in Congress are putting pressure on California Senator Dianne Feinstein to retire after she was absent for a significant amount of time due to health issues.
The 89-year-old senator issued a statement late Wednesday detailing the medical problems that have prevented her from returning to Washington. She plans to go home as soon as her doctors give them the all-clear signal.
Dianne Feinstein said that she has requested that a Democratic senator be appointed by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to "temporarily" fill her position on the Senate Judiciary Committee until her return, according to CBS News.
In a statement released late Wednesday night, Schumer promised to petition the Senate "next week" to grant her request. California Senator Dianne Feinstein has said she plans to return to Washington "as soon as possible" after receiving medical clearance to do so.
In addition, the legislator said that she was still dedicated to working from home in San Francisco amid the Dianne Feinstein health issue.
On March 7, Dianne Feinstein revealed that she had been released from the hospital and was undergoing treatment for her infection at home. She expressed hope for a speedy return to the Senate. A week before, she had expressed optimism that she would return to Washington by the end of March.
After being out of session since March 31, the US Senate will be meeting again the following week.
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Diane Feinstein's Health Absence Prompts Resignation Calls
California Democrat Ro Khanna was the first legislator to demand Feinstein's resignation on Wednesday evening.
He tweeted, "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."
Rep. Khanna underscored the gravity of the issue in the court, where radical justices are actively attacking women's rights. He pointed out the irony of denouncing these judges on television while maintaining silence about Senator Feinstein's frequent absence from important votes on pro-choice justices, NBC News reported.
The competition for the potential succession of Senator Dianne Feinstein in California involves House Democratic Representatives Adam Schiff, Katie Porter, and Barbara Lee, as reported by Politico. However, Governor Newsom's pledge to appoint a Black woman as Feinstein's replacement if she resigns further complicates their already intense rivalry.
Earlier this year, Sen. Dianne Feinstein stated that she was suffering from shingles and anticipated resuming her Senate responsibilities in a few weeks. However, fears have developed among several Democratic colleagues, including high-ranking congressional aides, that Dianne Feinstein may not be able to return to work in Washington. per a previous HNGN report.
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