Senate GOP to Block Democrats’ Plan to Temporarily Replace Feinstein on Judiciary Committee

It appears that the 11 GOP votes needed to join all present Senate Democrats in temporarily replacing Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) on the Senate Judiciary Committee are not there.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has proposed a resolution that would put a Democrat on the committee to temporarily take Feinstein’s seat given the senator’s weeks-long absence as she has been dealing with shingles. Feinstein has reportedly agreed to this move. However, with Democrats controlling the Senate, 50–49, such a resolution will need the support of 11 Republicans in order to overcome a filibuster. Schumer has said he will try to have the resolution passed via unanimous consent, which any one member can object to.

Usually, committee assignments, which are finalized via resolution, get green-lit by the Senate by unanimous consent and very little fanfare.

“The stated reason, the supposed emergency, is that Senate Democrats are unable to push through the small fraction of their nominees who are so extreme and unqualified that they cannot win a single Republican vote,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on the Senate floor on April 18.

“Senate Republicans will not take part in sidelining a temporarily absent colleague off a committee just so Democrats can force through their very worst nominee,” McConnell added.

McConnell was joined by other Republicans in the chamber.

“I will vote against any attempt by Senate Democrats to temporarily replace Sen. Feinstein on the Judiciary Committee. I deeply respect Senator Feinstein, but this is an unprecedented request solely intended to appease those pushing for radical, activist judges. This is especially concerning as Senate Democrats seek to end the bipartisan blue slip process so they can bypass advice and consent with home state senators and ram through left-wing judges,” posted Sen. Tho