UJ
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On Tuesday, Senate Republicans officially rejected a request from Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to temporarily substitute Sen. Dianne Feinstein on the Judiciary Committee, a move Democrats hoped would help expedite judicial nominations that are currently stalled.
Senate Democrats aim to temporarily fill Feinstein’s position on the influential committee tasked with handling judicial nominees while the California senator continues her recovery from shingles and remains absent.
Senate Republicans have made it clear they are ready to block any Democratic attempts to replace Feinstein on the committee, increasing pressure on the 89-year-old senator to either resign or return to her duties swiftly.
The timeline for Feinstein’s return remains uncertain; she requested a “temporary” replacement for the committee just last week during her recovery.
Schumer advocated for the motion on Tuesday by reflecting on his friendship with Feinstein and underscoring her achievements.
“I am acting today not just as Leader but as Dianne’s friend to honor her wishes until she is able to return to the Senate,” Schumer stated.
GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham, the senior Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, opposed Schumer’s request but also praised Feinstein. He contended that Schumer’s intention is to secure the confirmation of more judges.
“She is a close friend and we wish her a swift recovery and a quick return to the Senate. With all due respect to my colleague, Senator Schumer, this is about a few judges that are lacking the necessary votes,” Graham remarked.
While Democrats can still initiate a vote to replace Feinstein, this would necessitate the backing of 10 Republicans, and utilizing time on the floor for such an uncertain effort seems unlikely.
Feinstein, who has already declared she will not run for reelection, originally anticipated returning to Washington “by the end of the March work period,” but her comeback has been postponed due to ongoing health complications.
She has recently indicated her intention to return “as soon as possible, pending the advice of my medical team on safe travel.”
Cardin informed UJ on Tuesday that he and Schumer had discussed the possibility of him serving as the temporary replacement on the committee, but he had not consulted Feinstein on this matter.
The Maryland Democrat stated he has not communicated with Feinstein since her absence from the Senate, and he understands that the decision is only a temporary arrangement until her return.
“I acknowledge the importance of committee numbers, allowing us to proceed with business. I see this as a solution to a current issue,” Cardin remarked.
Democrats require 60 votes to replace Feinstein on the panel, yet top Republicans have indicated they will not provide the necessary support. If Feinstein does not return soon, over a dozen nominees could face delays.
Should Democrats fail to replace Feinstein or if she remains absent from Washington for an extended period, pivotal agenda items could be hindered both in committee and on the Senate floor.
When asked if Feinstein should contemplate resigning if she cannot return by May, Schumer expressed his “hope” that she will be back “very soon.”
“I spoke with Senator Feinstein just a few days ago, and we are both very optimistic that her return is imminent,” Schumer mentioned during his regular policy press conference in the US Capitol.
In February, Feinstein announced she would not seek reelection, and several Democrats have already begun campaigning for her position in 2024, indicating a highly contested primary ahead.
Many Democrats in Congress have largely supported her decision to remain in office despite her absence while she recuperates from shingles.
However, there have been calls for her resignation from two members of the House, and should Democrats be unable to replace her on the committee, that pressure could increase.
Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin recently acknowledged to UJ that Feinstein’s absence has hindered the party’s ability to confirm nominees. Nonetheless, he has refrained from urging Feinstein to resign, expressing hope that Republicans will support a temporary replacement for her on the committee and recognize that “the rain can fall on both sides of the road.”
When questioned about the potential long-term effects of her absence on the Democrats’ ability to confirm nominees, the Illinois Democrat replied, “Yes, certainly,” highlighting the prolonged process involved in scheduling votes for nominees during limited floor time.
Republican Sen. John Cornyn, a senior Judiciary Committee member and close advisor to McConnell, stated to UJ that he is against the move to replace Feinstein on the committee.
“I don’t believe Republicans can or should assist in confirming President Biden’s most contentious nominees,” the Texas senator remarked. “I support having Sen. Feinstein return as soon as she can. However, I don’t think you can expect any Republican cooperation on this effort to confirm controversial and often unqualified nominees.”
This story has been updated with additional information.
