Overview

• California Senator Dianne Feinstein has been absent from the Senate since early March due to illness.
• Feinstein’s absence has caused problems for Democrats in confirming President Biden’s judicial nominees and handling key legislation.
• Some Democrats have called for Feinstein to resign while others worry about the optics of forcing out a long-serving female senator.
• Feinstein requested a temporary replacement on the Senate Judiciary Committee but was blocked by Republicans.
• The situation has raised questions about ageism and sexism in politics as well as the role of senior senators.