Feinstein sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is responsible for approving President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees and is evenly tied between Republicans and Democrats while Feinstein is out.
Pelosi Claims Sexism Against Absent Feinstein: ‘Ive Never Seen Them Go After A Man Who Was Sick’ (Photo by: Hill)
Pelosi on Calls for Feinstein To Resign
In an unusual move, she also asked on Wednesday night that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) “temporarily” fill her empty seat on the committee with another Democrat, which would help Democrats move forward with Biden’s judicial picks. At least some Republicans would need to agree to this action, however, and it is unclear if they will give federal judges at stake.
In one of the most recent instances of a male senator being absent for health reasons, Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) checked himself into a hospital for depression on February 15. Unlike Feinstein, however, Fetterman has set a definitive return date of April 17, the day the Senate returns from a two-week recess. In another recent case, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who is 81 and closer in age to Feinstein, was hospitalized in early March after a fall. He confirmed on social media on Thursday that he would return to D.C. on Monday as well.
Feinstein, who is the oldest member of the Senate, also faced criticism last year from her colleagues that her memory was “rapidly deteriorating,” according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Feinstein, for her part, responded to those requests by suggesting the Senate appoint a temporary replacement for her on the Senate Judiciary Committee until she can return to Washington, D.C. “I understand that my absence could delay the important work of the Judiciary Committee, so I’ve asked Leader Schumer to ask the Senate to allow another Democratic senator to temporarily serve until I’m able to resume my committee work,” she stated in a press release on April 12.
