Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., Confuses Vote on $823 Billion Defense Appropriations Bill

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., appeared confused during a vote on a defense appropriations bill Thursday, prompting a fellow Democratic senator to step in.

The $823 billion bill was being discussed during a Senate Appropriations Committee markup of bills Thursday morning, when Feinstein seemed to stumble on a vote. Instead of saying the expected response of “aye” or “nay,” Feinstein began delivering a speech expressing her support of the measure. About 15 seconds into Feinstein’s speech, an aide whispered in her ear. Committee chair Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., then told Feinstein: “Just say aye.” Feinstein then responded with “Aye.”

Feinstein, 90, was later heard voting against another measure, before being corrected and switching to “yes.”

The confusion comes after Feinstein spent weeks away from Washington, D.C., for shingles and complications from shingles earlier this year. Feinstein also raised eyebrows when she told reporters in May she “hadn’t been gone,” despite her lengthy absence, according to the Los Angeles Times and Slate.

The defense appropriations bill was passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday. It provides $823 billion in funding for the Department of Defense and other national security programs. The bill will now move to the full Senate for consideration.