Senator Dianne Feinstein, the oldest member of the US Senate at 89, has requested a temporary replacement on the Senate Judiciary Committee after two Democratic colleagues called for her resignation. The California senator has been absent from Washington due to complications from shingles, a viral infection she was hospitalized for last month.
Feinstein's office stated on Wednesday that she had asked the Senate to find a temporary substitute for her on the judiciary committee, where Democrats hold a slim 11-10 majority. The move comes as her absence has hindered President Joe Biden's efforts to confirm federal judges.
Earlier on Wednesday, Representatives Ro Khanna of California and Dean Phillips of Minnesota publicly urged Feinstein to step down. Khanna wrote on Twitter that it was time for the longest-serving female senator to resign, stating, '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.' Phillips echoed this sentiment, calling it 'a dereliction of duty to remain in the Senate.'
Feinstein's office noted that she had initially planned to return to Capitol Hill by the end of March but has been delayed by 'continued complications' from shingles. She will work from her home in San Francisco until her medical team advises it is safe to travel. Shingles typically causes a painful rash and is not usually life-threatening.
Feinstein announced in February that she would not seek re-election in 2024. Several Democrats, including Barbara Lee, Katie Porter, and Adam Schiff, have already announced their candidacies for her seat. Feinstein made history as the first female mayor of San Francisco and the first woman to chair the Senate Intelligence Committee.
