Feinstein back in Senate on wheelchair, requires lighter workload.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein Returns to Senate in Wheelchair After Months-Long Absence

After months of absence due to shingles, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) returned to the Senate on Wednesday in a wheelchair. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) was seen walking alongside her as she was wheeled into the Senate chamber for a vote.

Feinstein’s Health Concerns

According to a tweet by ABC7 San Francisco reporter Liz Kreutz, Feinstein’s office stated that the senator is “experiencing vision/balance impairments & at times will need to use a wheelchair to travel around the Capitol.”

A statement released by Feinstein explained her situation, “Even though I’ve made significant progress and was able to return to Washington, I’m still experiencing some side effects from the shingles virus. My doctors have advised me to work a lighter schedule as I return to the Senate. I’m hopeful those issues will subside as I continue to recover.”

At 89 years old, Feinstein is the Senate’s oldest member, and in recent years, some colleagues have raised concerns about her mental fitness. In February, Feinstein announced she would not seek re-election in 2024. Three prominent House Democrats have announced campaigns to replace her in the Senate.

Feinstein’s Return to the Senate

Feinstein’s absence resulted in a 10-10 split along party lines that rendered the Senate Judiciary Committee unable to advance some of President Joe Biden’s nominees to federal courts around the nation. Some Democrats, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA), began to call for Feinstein to resign, and Republicans kept the pressure going by blocking a bid to replace Feinstein on the Judiciary Committee.

Feinstein said in her statement on Wednesday, “I have returned to Washington and am prepared to resume my duties in the Senate. I’m grateful for all the well-wishes over the past couple of months and for the excellent care that I received from my medical team in San Francisco. The Senate faces many important issues, but the most pressing is to ensure our government doesn’t default on its financial obligations. I also look forward to resuming my work on the Judiciary Committee considering the president’s nominees.”

Feinstein’s Health Update

Feinstein’s office released a statement on Thursday, stating that the senator had a “routine, non-COVID medical appointment” and that “her doctors are pleased with her progress and expect her to make a full recovery.”

Feinstein’s Legacy

Feinstein has been a prominent figure in California politics for decades, serving as the mayor of San Francisco and a U.S. senator since 1992. She has been a champion for gun control, environmental protection, and women’s rights. As she continues to recover, her legacy and impact on American politics will not be forgotten.