Senate Republicans have formally blocked a request from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to temporarily replace Senator Dianne Feinstein on the Judiciary Committee. This move comes as Democrats aim to advance stalled judicial nominations while Feinstein recovers from shingles.
Feinstein, an 89-year-old California Democrat, has been absent from the Senate, and her return date remains uncertain. She previously requested a temporary replacement on the committee, indicating she plans to return “as soon as possible once my medical team advises that it’s safe for me to travel.”
Schumer introduced the motion to replace Feinstein, referencing their friendship and her contributions to the Senate. However, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee, objected, arguing that the request was primarily aimed at advancing judicial confirmations.
Democrats could potentially force a vote to replace Feinstein but would require support from 10 Republicans, which is unlikely given the current opposition. If Feinstein does not return soon, at least 12 judicial nominees could face delays.
Various Democrats, including Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin, have acknowledged that Feinstein’s absence has hindered the party’s efforts to confirm nominees while refraining from calling for her resignation. Schumer expressed optimism about her potential return.
Feinstein announced earlier this year that she would not seek reelection, and several Democrats have already announced campaigns for her seat in the competitive 2024 primary. Support for her continued absence has been generally strong among congressional Democrats, although calls for her resignation are beginning to emerge.
Overall, the combination of Feinstein’s prolonged absence and Republican opposition could significantly impact Democrats’ agenda in the Senate, especially concerning judicial confirmations.
Source: Reported based on publicly available information from www.cnn.com.
