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Republicans Block Request to Temporarily Replace Sen. Feinstein on Judiciary Committee
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s request to replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein on the Judiciary Committee has been blocked by Republicans. Democrats had hoped to do this in order to advance stalled judicial nominations. Democrats sought to temporarily replace Feinstein on the powerful panel that processes judicial nominees as the California Democrat remains absent, recovering from shingles.
The California Democrat’s return date to the Senate is still unclear and she had requested to be “temporarily” replaced on the committee as she recovers. Senate Republicans, however, have made clear that they have been prepared to block Democratic efforts to replace Feinstein on the committee, ratcheting up pressure on the 89-year-old to resign or return quickly.
Democrats Seek to Replace Feinstein on Judiciary Committee
Senate Democrats have sought to temporarily replace Feinstein on the panel as she recovers. However, Republicans have made clear that they have been prepared to block Democratic efforts to replace Feinstein on the committee. Democrats could still force a vote to replace Feinstein, but that would require the support of 10 Republicans and it’s unlikely they would use a lot of valuable floor time for something with little chance of success. If Democrats are unable to replace Feinstein or if she does not return to Washington soon, they could see key agenda items thwarted — both on the committee and on the Senate floor.
Feinstein’s Absence Delays Democratic Push to Confirm Nominees
Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin recently acknowledged that Feinstein’s absence had slowed down the party’s push to confirm nominees. But he has stopped short of calling on Feinstein to resign, saying he hopes that Republicans will help to temporarily replace her on the committee and recognize that “the rain can fall on both sides of the road.” But if Democrats are not able to replace her on the committee, that number could start to grow.
Republican Opposition to Democratic Move to Replace Feinstein on Judiciary Committee
Republican Sen. John Cornyn, a senior member on the Judiciary Committee, opposes the effort to replace Feinstein on the panel. He said, “I don’t think Republicans can or should help President Biden’s most controversial nominees. I support having Sen. Feinstein come back as soon as she can. But this effort to confirm controversial and in many instances largely unqualified nominees, I don’t think you can expect any Republican cooperation.”
This story has been updated with additional information.
CNN’s Manu Raju and Alayna Treene contributed.
