Dianne Feinstein Sends Request to Chuck Schumer

(UnitedVoice.com) – Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) has served in the upper chamber since 1992. Democrats have recently begun asking her to resign from office. Now, she has asked the Senate majority leader for a special request.

On Wednesday, April 12, Feinstein asked Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to replace her on the US Senate Judiciary Committee temporarily. She was hospitalized last month when she came down with shingles. NBC Bay Area reported the senator said she believes her absence might force a delay in the “important work of the Judiciary Committee.”

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, 89, is asking to be temporarily replaced on the Judiciary Committee while she recovers from a case of shingles. Her announcement came after two House Democrats called on her to resign because of her extended absence from Washington. https://t.co/11b4uIw1nx

— The Associated Press (@AP) April 13, 2023

The senator said nothing about the possibility of her resigning. She did, however, say in February that she wouldn’t be running for reelection at all next year. Multiple Democrats have said they want this term in the Senate to be her last. They think the 89-year-old should resign; Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) said as much recently.

Khanna said he doesn’t think that she is able to “fulfill her duties.”

In a tweet, Khanna said they need to “put the country ahead of personal loyalty.” He praised Feinstein for her “lifetime of public service.” The congressman went on to say that not speaking out against the senator “undermines” lawmakers’ credibility.

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

Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) is running for Feinstein’s seat in the Democratic primary. In January, she announced her campaign, saying the state “needs a warrior in the Senate.” The congresswoman has made a name for herself in Democratic circles as someone who they can count on to attack Republicans during hearings.

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) is also expected to run for the senator’s seat as well. He has said he’s interested in replacing Feinstein in the Senate. Schiff is popular among Democrats because of his attacks on former President Donald Trump.

It’s unclear when Feinstein is expected to return to the Senate.