By
Senate Democrats’ Efforts to Replace Sen. Feinstein on Judiciary Committee Blocked by Republicans
Republicans in the Senate have formally blocked a request from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to temporarily replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein on the Judiciary Committee. The move was intended to advance stalled judicial nominations, as Democrats sought to temporarily replace Feinstein on the powerful panel while she recovers from shingles. However, Senate Republicans have made it clear that they are prepared to block Democratic efforts to replace Feinstein on the committee, putting pressure on the 89-year-old California Democrat to either resign or return quickly.
Feinstein’s return date is still uncertain, and she recently requested to be “temporarily” replaced on the committee as she continues to recover. Schumer, in introducing his motion, spoke about his friendship with Feinstein and highlighted her accomplishments, emphasizing that he was acting as her friend in honoring her wishes until she returns to the Senate.
GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham, the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, objected to Schumer’s request but also praised Feinstein, stating that the move was primarily motivated by a desire to get more judges confirmed. Graham argued that Democrats were attempting to replace Feinstein to secure votes for judicial nominees.
While Democrats could potentially force a vote to replace Feinstein, it would require the support of 10 Republicans, making it unlikely to succeed. If successful, the replacement would allow the Senate to continue processing judicial nominations, as at least 12 nominees, possibly more, could be stalled if Feinstein does not return soon.
Feinstein, who announced in February that she would not seek reelection, initially expected to return to Washington by the end of the March work period. However, her return was delayed due to complications related to her diagnosis. She has since stated that she plans to return as soon as her medical team advises that it is safe for her to travel.
Amidst these developments, Democratic Sen. Cardin discussed with Schumer the possibility of being the temporary replacement on the committee, but he had not spoken to Feinstein about the decision. Cardin emphasized the importance of maintaining the numbers on the committee to conduct business effectively while awaiting Feinstein’s return.
The absence of Feinstein has slowed down the Democrats’ push to confirm nominees, as Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin acknowledged. However, Durbin has refrained from calling on Feinstein to resign, expressing hope that Republicans would assist in temporarily replacing her on the committee to enable the confirmation process to continue smoothly.
Republican Sen. John Cornyn, a senior member on the Judiciary Committee, and close adviser to McConnell, opposed the effort to replace Feinstein on the panel, arguing that Republicans should not aid in confirming President Biden’s controversial nominees. Cornyn expressed support for Feinstein’s return and criticized the push to replace her with nominees he considered controversial or unqualified.
In conclusion, the political wrangling over the temporary replacement of Senator Feinstein on the Judiciary Committee highlights the challenges faced by both parties in advancing their agendas amidst a closely divided Senate. The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the confirmation of judicial nominees and the functioning of the Senate as a whole. As the situation continues to unfold, both Democrats and Republicans will need to navigate carefully to ensure the smooth operation of the Senate and address the pressing issues at hand.
