Senator Dianne Feinstein, who is recovering from shingles and facing calls to resign from her colleagues, announced on Wednesday that her return to the Senate would be delayed and that she would temporarily step down from the Judiciary Committee.
Feinstein, 89, who has not voted in the Senate since mid-February, said she would continue to work from home in San Francisco while recovering from shingles.
“I intend to return as soon as my medical team says it’s safe for me to travel,” Feinstein said.
She stated that “my absence could delay the important work of the Judiciary Committee” and has asked to step down until she is able to resume work.
According to a Schumer spokesperson, US Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer will grant Feinstein’s request and ask the Senate next week to allow another Democratic senator to temporarily serve on the committee.
Feinstein faced the first public calls for her resignation from Democrats earlier on Wednesday.
“We must prioritize national loyalty over personal loyalty.” “While she has a lifetime of public service, it is clear she is no longer capable of performing her duties,” California Representative Ro Khanna said on Twitter.
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
Representative Dean Phillips stated on Twitter that “remaining in the Senate is now a dereliction of duty, as is agreeing to remain silent.”
Feinstein is the oldest serving U.S. senator, and she will not run for reelection in 2024.
