Senators are discussing a potential replacement for Sen. Dianne Feinstein on the Senate Judiciary Committee due to her ongoing absence. The replacement is needed to advance stalled judicial nominations, but senior Republicans have objected to the request, citing it as an attempt to get more judges confirmed.
Temporary Replacement for Sen. Feinstein on the Senate Judiciary Committee
Senators are discussing a potential replacement for Sen. Dianne Feinstein on the Senate Judiciary Committee due to her ongoing absence.
Background
Sen. Feinstein, a Democrat from California, has been recovering from shingles and initially expected to return by the end of the March work period. However, her return was delayed due to continued complications related to her diagnosis. She recently stated that she plans to return “as soon as possible once my medical team advises that it’s safe for me to travel.”
Temporary Replacement
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has requested a temporary replacement for Sen. Feinstein on the Judiciary Committee, citing the need to advance stalled judicial nominations. Democrats would require 60 votes to replace Feinstein on the panel, but senior Republicans in leadership and on the committee have made clear that they will not give them the votes to do so.
Republican Objections
GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham, the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, objected to Schumer’s request, arguing that it is an attempt to get more judges confirmed. He praised Sen. Feinstein but stated that her move is about a handful of judges that Democrats cannot get votes for.
Potential Consequences
If Democrats are unable to replace Feinstein or if she does not return soon, they could see key agenda items thwarted – both on the committee and on the Senate floor. This could lead to stalled nominations and impact the party’s ability to confirm nominees.
Quotes from Key Figures
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Sen. Chuck Schumer: “Look, I spoke to Senator Feinstein just a few days ago and she and I are both very hopeful that she will return very soon.”
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Sen. Lindsey Graham: “With all due respect, my colleague, Senator Schumer, this is about a handful of judges that you can’t get the votes for.”
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Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin: “Yes, of course it does” (referring to the impact of Feinstein’s absence on the Democrats’ ability to confirm nominees).
