Sen. Feinstein's Prolonged Absence Sparks Calls to Step Down and Frustrations Over Stalled Judicial Process

Sen. Dianne Feinstein has been absent from the Senate for months due to an illness, causing delays in the confirmation of President Biden's judicial nominees.
Feinstein's absence left the Senate Judiciary Committee deadlocked, allowing Republicans to block the advancement of nominees.
Feinstein has faced calls to resign from progressive lawmakers and media organizations due to her inability to fulfill her duties.
Feinstein's office has not provided a timeline for when she may return to the Senate.
The Senate was able to confirm some judicial nominees this week after Republicans dropped their holds, but the process remains stalled.