Congressional Democrats are calling for the resignation of Senator Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who has been absent from the Senate for a considerable amount of time due to health issues.
Late on Wednesday afternoon, Rep. Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, became the first lawmaker to demand for Feinstein’s resignation.
He tweeted, “@SenFeinstein should step down now.” “We must place national allegiance ahead of personal loyalty. Despite having spent her whole life serving the public, it is clear that she is unable to perform her obligations. We lose credibility as elected officials if we remain silent.
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We have a crisis in the judiciary with radical judges robbing women of their rights, Khanna said in a message to NBC News. The threat posed by these justices cannot be preached on televisionKhanna’s statement comes in response to growing concerns that Feinstein’s prolonged absence is hampering Senate Democrats, particularly when it comes to confirming judges, given her crucial vote on the Judiciary Committee.
Rep. Ro Khanna.Francis Chung/POLITICO via AP file
Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., quickly chimed in to say he agrees with Khanna. “Senator Feinstein is a remarkable American whose contribution to our country is immeasurable,” said Philips tweeted. “But I believe it is now a dereliction of duty to remain in the Senate and a dereliction of duty for those who agree to remain quiet.”
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Feinstein, 89, has not voted in the Senate since February 16 and said in early March she was diagnosed with shingles. Her office said it has no update on when she will be back.
Feinstein, who was first elected a senator in 1992, has said she will not run for re-election but has 20 months left in her term. Khanna has sponsored Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif. to replace her.
Lee competes with other prominent California House Democrats, Rep. Adam Schiff and Rep. Katie Porter. Lee could be a big beneficiary if Feinstein decides to step down early, as Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced he would nominate a black woman to the seat if the senator decides to take early retirement and create a vacancy.
