Feinstein, 89, to work less after 3-month absence from Senate.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein Takes it Slow After Shingles

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D., Calif.) is back in the Senate after a three-month absence due to shingles. However, the 89-year-old senator announced that she will be taking it slow as she is still experiencing side effects from the virus.

“My doctors have advised me to work a lighter schedule as I return to the Senate,” Feinstein said in a statement.

Feinstein appeared at the Capitol in a wheelchair on Wednesday to cast her vote for the first time since February 16. She is hopeful that her symptoms will subside soon.

Tension Among Democrats

Feinstein’s hiatus created tension among Democrats, as her absence from the Judiciary Committee halted Biden’s appointments altogether. Some members of her own party even called for her retirement.

• Rep. Ro Khanna (D., Calif.) was the first to call for her resignation, thanking Feinstein for her lifetime of public service but adding that “it is obvious she can no longer fulfill her duties.”
• Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) suggested that such calls were sexist, but Khanna responded by saying that “this has nothing to do with gender.”

In April 2022, four Democratic officials, including three senators, said that Feinstein’s cognitive decline is too severe for her to finish her term. One member even said that they had to reintroduce themselves during meetings as they have known her for 15 years.

Despite the challenges, Feinstein remains committed to serving her constituents and fulfilling her duties as a senator.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases