Diane Feinstein takes break from Senate Judiciary Committee to allow Biden’s judicial nomination to move forward

Senator Diane Feinstein said Wednesday she has asked to be temporarily removed from the Senate Judiciary Committee, allowing another Democratic senator to take her place, and allowing the committee to nominate President Biden’s Judiciary Committee nominee. made it possible to treat people

The California Democratic Party’s unusual move comes after heavy criticism from within her party for her lengthy health-related absence.

She hoped to be back by now, but faced with complex issues, she gave Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer a key vote to add someone else to the committee. I said I want one.

“I understand that my absence may delay the important work of the Judiciary Committee, so I would like another Democratic Senator to temporarily serve until I am able to resume work on the Committee. I have asked Leader Schumer to ask the Senate to allow ,” she said in a statement.

Feinstein suffers from shingles.

She said she’s been working from home in San Francisco because doctors have told her it’s not safe to travel.

The Judiciary Committee, like the entire Senate, is divided into pieces. Democrats hold an 11-to-10 advantage on the panel. That means that in Feinstein’s absence, the candidate could be locked up on the committee if all Republicans disagree.

The last judge to clear the commission was in early March.

Feinstein, 89, is the committee’s oldest Democrat and usually serves as chairman of the committee. However, she was pressured not to run for the post by her fellow Democrats who questioned her age and ability.

Her absence from the Senate (she cast her final vote on Feb. 16) sparked renewed calls for her immediate resignation, which spread to incumbent Democrats on Wednesday.