Senator Dianne Feinstein, the oldest sitting senator at 89 years old, made her first appearance in the Senate on Wednesday after an extended absence due to illness. Feinstein’s prolonged leave raised concerns among Democrats about the party’s slim majority and led to mounting calls for her resignation. Arriving in a wheelchair, which she may require at times, Feinstein was welcomed by Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer as she returned to a “lighter schedule” of work.
Feinstein provided more details about her health condition, explaining that she had made significant progress but was still experiencing side effects, including vision and balance issues, related to her treatment for shingles at a San Francisco hospital. Prior to her return, there had been complaints from colleagues about a lack of transparency regarding her condition, with her staff declining to provide a doctor’s report or interview to the media.
Her absence had caused frustration among Democratic lawmakers and activists, particularly concerning the slow pace of confirming President Biden’s nominees for the federal judiciary. Without Feinstein, the evenly split Judiciary Committee faced challenges in advancing its recommendations to the full Senate. The committee is responsible for holding confirmation hearings for federal judges. While it recently approved a judicial nominee with the support of some Republicans, more nominations and legislation are set to be considered.
Expressing her readiness to resume her duties in the Senate, Feinstein highlighted the importance of addressing pressing issues, such as avoiding a government default and reviewing the president’s judicial nominees. However, she acknowledged her doctors’ advice to maintain a lighter schedule as she continues her recovery, without specifying which duties might be scaled back. Her first vote upon returning was to confirm a Department of Education nominee.
Feinstein’s absence due to illness and the disruptions it caused led some within the Democratic Party, including Representative Ro Khanna and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, to call for her resignation. Feinstein had requested the temporary appointment of another Democrat to the judiciary panel in her place, but Republicans rejected the effort. While she announced that she would not seek reelection next year, she plans to complete her term, which ends in early 2025, before retiring.
Throughout her political career, Feinstein has faced questions about her health and ability to serve, including concerns about her mental capacity for high-profile positions. As she returns to the Senate amid ongoing health concerns and calls for her resignation, her actions and decisions will continue to be closely watched by both supporters and critics alike.