Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) has requested to be temporarily replaced on the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee while she recovers from shingles. She expressed her understanding that her absence could delay the important work of the committee, and asked Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to allow another Democratic senator to serve until she is able to resume her duties. Feinstein has served on the committee since 1993 and is the most senior Democrat on the committee.