Headline: Republican Opposition Stalls Proposal to Temporarily Replace Feinstein in Senate Judiciary
Republicans have decisively blocked Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's request to provisionally replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein on the Judiciary Committee. This move is seen as a strategy by Democrats to advance pending judicial nominations. Despite Feinstein's ongoing absence due to recovery from shingles, Senate Democrats are actively trying to find a temporary substitute for her on this influential committee that processes judicial nominations.
However, Senate Republicans have maintained their strong stance against this, increasing pressure on the 89-year-old Feinstein to either step down or expedite her return. The exact date of Feinstein's return remains unknown as she requested to be temporarily replaced on the committee just last week to focus on her recovery.
Schumer, while introducing his motion, talked about his friendship with Feinstein and her many achievements. He also expressed his support for Feinstein, hoping for her speedy recovery and return to the Senate. On the other hand, Sen. Lindsey Graham, a leading Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, objected to Schumer's request, asserting that the Democrats' motivation was to confirm more judges.
Although Democrats could potentially force a vote to substitute Feinstein, they would need the backing of 10 Republicans, which is considered unlikely. Additionally, it would consume considerable floor time with little probability of success. Feinstein, who will not be seeking reelection, had initially planned to return to Washington by the end of March. However, her return was postponed due to ongoing health complications.
Feinstein recently expressed that she plans to return as soon as her medical team advises it's safe to do so. Sen. Benjamin Cardin mentioned that he had discussed with Schumer about being Feinstein's temporary replacement on the committee but had not yet communicated this decision to Feinstein.
Democrats would need 60 votes to replace Feinstein on the committee. Yet, senior Republicans have made it clear that they wouldn't provide the necessary votes. If Feinstein's return is further delayed, at least 12 nominees could face a deadlock. If Democrats are unable to find a replacement for Feinstein or if she doesn't return soon, they may encounter obstacles in pushing forward key agenda items.
Schumer expressed optimism about Feinstein's imminent return. Feinstein had announced in February that she would not seek reelection, and several Democrats have already launched their campaigns for her seat in 2024. Despite calls for resignation from two House Democrats, many congressional Democrats remain supportive of Feinstein's decision to continue in office while recovering from her health issue.
Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin admitted that Feinstein's absence has affected the party's push for nominee confirmations. However, he did not call for Feinstein's resignation, expressing hope that Republicans would help to temporarily replace her on the committee.
Republican Sen. John Cornyn, a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, stated his opposition to the effort to replace Feinstein, arguing that Republicans should not assist in confirming President Biden's most controversial nominees. He voiced his support for Feinstein's return and opposed the confirmation of controversial and largely unqualified nominees.