Durbin disagrees with Feinstein’s claim that her absence isn’t affecting the Senate.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Takes Issue with Feinstein’s Claim of No Delay in Advancing Biden’s Agenda

Senator Dianne Feinstein’s absence from the Senate has caused a stir among her colleagues, with some calling for her resignation. The Senate’s oldest member has been absent since February due to shingles, leaving Democrats without the necessary votes to advance most of President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees.

Feinstein Hits Back at Criticism Over Senate Absence, Provides No Timetable for Return

Despite concerns from her colleagues, Feinstein released a statement rejecting the idea that her absence was causing any delay whatsoever. However, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin (D-IL) disagrees, stating that her absence has made it “a challenge in the Senate Judiciary Committee to do our business.”

Democrats only control the Senate by a slim margin, meaning that one absence gives Republicans an opportunity to block Biden’s nominees and legislative efforts. After years of criticisms from those in her party that she was no longer up to the job, Feinstein said at the time of her diagnosis that she wouldn’t seek reelection in 2024, though she vowed to serve out the remaining 20 months of her term.

The Impact of Feinstein’s Absence

Feinstein’s absence has put the most strain on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which has been essentially paralyzed without the California senator. Acknowledging that Feinstein was a friend who had been through “an awful lot” since the death of her late husband, Richard Blum, last year, Durbin wants to be sensitive to her family situation and her personal situation. However, he emphasizes that the business of the committee and of the Senate is affected by her absence.

Feinstein’s Statement

Feinstein’s statement read, “The Senate continues to swiftly confirm highly qualified individuals to the federal judiciary, including seven more judicial nominees who were confirmed this week. There has been no slowdown.” However, Durbin and other Democrats disagree, and tensions over Feinstein’s absence continue to simmer.

Conclusion

Feinstein’s absence has highlighted the importance of every vote in the Senate, and the impact that one absence can have on advancing the president’s legislative agenda. As the Senate continues to grapple with the challenges of a closely divided chamber, the absence of even one member can have significant consequences.

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