Senate Judiciary Rules with regard to Sen. Dianne Feinstein's recent illness and Democrats' call for her resignation

California Senator Dianne Feinstein returned to the Senate on May 16, 2023, after a nearly three-month absence. Feinstein, 89, was recovering from a case of shingles, a viral infection that can cause a painful rash.

Feinstein's absence from the Senate raised concerns about her health and ability to serve. She is the oldest sitting senator in the United States and has served in the Senate since 1992.

Feinstein has said that she is feeling better and that she is committed to continuing her work in the Senate. However, some Democratic lawmakers have called for her resignation, citing her age and health concerns.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse discussed the Senate rules regarding Feinstein’s seat on the Judiciary Committee on Sunday with Symone Sanders Townsend:

“We need to be very clear about what the rules are and what is going on. The Republicans are blocking anyone replacing Dianne Feinstein on the Judiciary Committee…And whether Dianne Feinstein temporarily leaves the Judiciary Committee, or whether she permanently steps down from the Judiciary Committee, or whether she resigns from the Senate, the rule is the same and the Republicans can block her successor from getting on the Judiciary Committee which will be an obstacle to continue to clear judges onto the courts. So she is doing the one thing that allows us to move judges and continue to proceed, and considering how difficult this has been for her, I think she is being astonishingly brave.”

–Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D) Rhode Island