...Dem Senator-for-Life from Caliphornica. She has been a politician since about the time she was weaned. Feinstein was the author of the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban, and tried it a second time in 2012. Feinstein has chaired the Select Committee on Intelligence since 2009. At age 90, Feinstein is the oldest currently serving United States Senator....
, a Democratic representative from Caliphornia, an impregnable bastion of the Democratic Party,, faced confusion during a Senate vote on a defense appropriations bill.
Instead of saying a simple "aye" or "nay," she started giving a speech expressing her support for the measure, prompting Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Patty Murray
... Senator-for-life (D) from Washington state, reputedly not the sharpest intellect to be found in the World's Greatest Deliberative Body. To hear Patty tell it, if we'd built roads and bridges like Osama bin Laden had 9-11 never would have happened...
to intervene and repeatedly urge her to "just say aye." After some back-and-forth, Feinstein finally cast her vote with an "aye."
A spokesperson for Senator Feinstein attributed the confusion to the chaotic nature of the hearing, saying, "The senator was preoccupied, didn't realise debate had just ended and a vote was called. She started to give a statement, was informed it was a vote and then cast her vote."
The incident has raised further questions about the senator's ability to continue serving in office, given her age and previous health complications. Feinstein, who is 90 years old, missed several votes earlier in the year due to a severe case of shingles, leading to concerns about delays in advancing President Joe
The Big GuyBiden
...46th president of the U.S. We hold these truths to be self-evident. All men and women created ... by the — you know — you know, the thing...
's judicial nominees.
Despite calls from some California Democrats for her to step down, Feinstein has remained steadfast in her decision to continue serving. However,
if you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning...
her voting mishap and other instances of confusion during Senate hearings have put her ability to fulfill her responsibilities under scrutiny.
Feinstein has previously announced that she will not seek reelection and plans to retire from Congress at the end of 2024, after serving in the Senate for three decades.
It is essential to consider the senator's health and fitness for office, especially given her crucial role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, where legislation providing funding for major federal departments and agencies is discussed.
In light of these recent incidents, concerns about Feinstein's ability to effectively carry out her duties as the oldest member of the Senate are likely to remain a topic of discussion among both Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill.
Related:
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Dianne Feinstein: 2023-05-19 We've Learned More About Dianne Feinstein's Health And It's Not Good
Dianne Feinstein: 2023-05-17 'I've been here, I've been voting!' Concern grows for ailing Dem Senator Dianne Feinstein, 89, as she FORGETS about two-and-a-half-month shingles absence and insists she's been in Congress throughout
Dianne Feinstein: 2023-07-09 Rep. Dan Bishop Moves To Overturn ‘War On Terror’ Authorization
Dianne Feinstein: 2023-05-19 We've Learned More About Dianne Feinstein's Health And It's Not Good
Dianne Feinstein: 2023-05-17 'I've been here, I've been voting!' Concern grows for ailing Dem Senator Dianne Feinstein, 89, as she FORGETS about two-and-a-half-month shingles absence and insists she's been in Congress throughout