Senator Dianne Feinstein returns to D.C. after lengthy hiatus amidst calls for resignation
40 is senior senator Diane Feinstein is back in Washington. That's why Feinstein was at home recovering after being hospitalized with shingles and Face calls from within her own Democratic Party to resign. K-Cal News political reporter Tom White is here now with the latest Tom. Hey, good evening to you. Suzy and Juan Wille senator Feinstein's return is a major relief to Democrats. Without her their slim Senate majority was useless. The GOP had the votes to stop key parts of the Democrats agenda and it would appear the Democrats have regained their advantage at least for now.
Senator Diane Feinstein returns to Washington allowing Democrats to defeat a Republican blockade on key votes including on federal judges who can have a major impact on issues like abortion rights. Judiciary committee without her is deadlocked and with that they can't proceed if Republicans are united. This way they can get judgeships to the floor. They can get subpoenas. It's not only judges that have been stalled with her absence. Important here in California is also the confirmation of Julie Sue to become the first Asian American in Biden's cabinet, which has also been stalled. She has a difficult time getting getting through that confirmation process and absolutely needed senator Feinstein to be there to advance her in this role.
Senator Feinstein has been absent for almost three months spending time in the hospital during a bout with shingles and then recovering at home. And even though she has returned her health remains a concern. I think everybody's hoping that the return to Washington is okay for her that it doesn't put undue strain on her. I suspect that she is going to limit her activities, but again from the standpoint of raw politics what matters to the democratic leadership is that vote on the floor in that vote in committee. During her medical leave Feinstein face calls to resign from progressive groups and from Silicon Valley house Democrat Ro Khanna, whose office Tuesday said Khanna was glad Feinstein was feeling better, but also said she hurt the democrat's agenda and time would tell on her future. He is very supportive of Barbara Lee and the idea there was that if she designs that he and all supporters of Barbara Lee would put pressure on the governor to appoint her, which would give her a tremendous leg up in the election facing Adam Schiff and Katie Porter. Senator Feinstein announced her retirement earlier this year, but said she intended to finish her term.
She turns 90 in June and is the oldest city member of the senate. Colleagues have raised concerns about her cognitive health. Live in the newsroom. I'm tom weight. Juan back to you.
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