SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – Senator Dianne Feinstein is giving up her seat on the Judiciary Committee temporarily amid calls for her to officially resign from her 2023 term.
For more, stream KCBS Radio now.
Democratic Representative Rho Khanna is one Progressive calling for Feinstein to step down, as the California senator continues to recuperate at home due to shingles complications.
"It's time for @SenFeinstein to resign. We need to put the country ahead of personal loyalty," Khanna tweeted on Wednesday.
Feinstein, 89, hasn't voted in Congress since February, causing a delay in the approval of President Biden's judicial nominees and missing 60 of the 82 votes taken in Senate.
"I understand that my absence could delay the important work of the Judiciary Committee, so I've asked Leader Schumer to ask the Senate to allow another Democratic senator to temporarily serve until I'm able to resume my committee work," she revealed on Wednesday.
Other Democratic voices have joined Khanna in asking Feinstein to step down.
"I agree with @RoKhanna. Senator Feinstein is a remarkable American whose contributions to our country are immeasurable. But I believe it's now a dereliction of duty to remain in the Senate and a dereliction of duty for those who agree to remain quiet," said Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota.
Jon Lovett, a former speechwriter for President Barack Obama, also called for Feinstein's resignation on his podcast earlier this week.
Dr. David McCuan, Professor and Chair of Political Science at Sonoma State University, told KCBS Radio that Progressives have an "insider game going."
"If they can push Senator Feinstein out, they can try to seek someone to be appointed into that seat by the governor, and if so, they would like that person to be someone like Barbara Lee that can serve in some short period of time," he said.
Feinstein announced last month that she would not be seeking re-election following the 2023 term.
DOWNLOAD the Audacy App
SIGN UP and follow KCBS Radio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Related
