Feinstein asks for temporary replacement on Judiciary Committee

Brady Knox

April 12, 09:37 PM April 12, 09:48 PM

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) asked Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) for a temporary replacement for her position on the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The 89-year-old senator's announcement comes shortly after Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) called on her to resign. His call followed Feinstein's long absence due to health problems. She has been absent from the Senate since her diagnosis with shingles in February.

RO KHANNA CALLS ON DIANNE FEINSTEIN TO RESIGN OVER PROLONGED ABSENCE FROM SENATE

In a statement, she refused to resign as senator but conceded that she would ask for a replacement to take her position on the important Judiciary Committee.

“When I was first diagnosed with shingles, I expected to return by the end of the March work period. Unfortunately, my return to Washington has been delayed due to continued complications related to my diagnosis," Feinstein said in a statement.

"I intend to return as soon as possible once my medical team advises that it’s safe for me to travel. In the meantime, I remain committed to the job and will continue to work from home in San Francisco," she added.

“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 concluded.

Feinstein did not say when she expects to return to Congress.

“Per Sen. Feinstein’s wishes, Majority Leader Schumer will ask the Senate next week to allow another Democratic Senator to temporarily serve on the Judiciary Committee,” a spokesperson for Schumer said.

Despite her wishes, temporary replacement on the Judiciary Committee may prove difficult. To do so, a full Senate must approve with at least 60 votes, and Republicans currently hold 49 Senate seats.

At 89, Feinstein is the oldest member of Congress, holding her Senate seat since 1993.