Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's request to temporarily replace Senator Dianne Feinstein on the Judiciary Committee was blocked by Senate Republicans on Tuesday. The move aims to advance stalled judicial nominations, as Senator Feinstein remains absent due to health reasons.
The California Democrat is recovering from shingles and requested to be temporarily replaced on the powerful panel that processes judicial nominees. However, Senate Republicans have stated their intention to obstruct Democratic efforts to replace Feinstein on the committee.
Senator Schumer proposed his motion on Tuesday, emphasizing his friendship with Feinstein and her accomplishments. GOP Senator Lindsey Graham, the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, objected to Schumer's request but praised the California Democrat. Graham argued that Schumer's move is aimed at confirming more judges, stating, "This is about a handful of judges that you can’t get the votes for."
Democrats could potentially force a vote to replace Feinstein, requiring the support of 10 Republicans. However, it's unlikely they would allocate significant floor time for an action with little chance of success. Senator Feinstein, who has announced she will not seek reelection, initially anticipated returning to Washington "by the end of the March work period," but her return date remains unclear.
Senior U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein's return to the Senate has been delayed due to ongoing health-related complications from her diagnosis, according to statements made by the California Democrat. She expressed her intention to return "as soon as possible" once cleared by her medical team for travel.
On Tuesday, Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland revealed discussions with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer about temporarily replacing Feinstein on the Senate Finance Committee while she is absent. However, Cardin stated that these conversations were solely with Schumer and not with Feinstein herself. He emphasized that this move would be temporary until her return.
In the absence of Feinstein, Democrats would need 60 votes to replace her on the panel, but according to reports, senior Republicans have indicated they will not grant these votes. If Feinstein does not return soon, at least 12 nominees, and potentially more, could be delayed. This delay could result in key agenda items being thwarted, both on the committee and on the Senate floor.
When asked about the possibility of Feinstein resigning if she cannot return by May, Schumer expressed hope for her swift recovery. "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," Schumer said during his weekly policy press conference at the U.S. Capitol.
Feinstein announced in February that she would not seek reelection in 2024, and multiple Democrats have already begun campaigning for her seat.
Senior Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein's prolonged absence due to shingles is causing a delay in the confirmation of party nominees, according to Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin. The Illinois Democrat expressed concern about the impact on the Democrats' ability to confirm nominees, especially if they are unable to replace her on the committee, which could potentially escalate calls for her resignation from some House Democrats.
Currently, two House Democrats have called for Feinstein's resignation, but many congressional Democrats remain supportive of her decision to stay in office during her recovery period. However, Republican Sen. John Cornyn, a senior member on the Judiciary Committee and close adviser to McConnell, opposes the effort to replace Feinstein on the panel, stating his preference for her return as soon as possible. He also expressed skepticism towards the confirmation of controversial and potentially unqualified nominees, suggesting that Republican cooperation may not be forthcoming. This story has been updated with additional information.
Source: Read Original Article