Senator Feinstein Requests Temporary Replacement on Senate Judiciary Committee While Recovering from Shingles

On Wednesday, Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) requested that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) temporarily replace her on the powerful Judiciary Committee while she recovers from shingles. In a statement, Feinstein said that she was delayed in returning to Washington due to complications from her diagnosis.

Feinstein expressed her understanding that her absence could delay the important work of the Judiciary Committee, and asked Schumer to allow another Democratic senator to temporarily serve until she is able to resume her committee work. She added that she intends to return as soon as her medical team advises it is safe to do so.

The request comes after two Democratic congressmen called for her resignation Wednesday. Feinstein has served on the Senate Judiciary Committee since 1993 and is the most senior Democrat on the committee.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is responsible for considering and debating legislation, conducting hearings, and overseeing the Department of Justice. It is also responsible for considering presidential nominations for federal judgeships, U.S. attorneys, and other positions within the Department of Justice.

Feinstein’s request to be temporarily replaced on the Senate Judiciary Committee is a sign of her commitment to the important work of the committee. It is unclear at this time who will be chosen to replace her in the interim.