California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein is expected to return to the Senate this week after a nearly three-month absence due to shingles, an illness that has kept her away since February. The 87-year-old senator's prolonged absence had led several House Democrats to call for her resignation, citing delays in advancing and confirming judicial nominees.
Feinstein pushed back against the criticism, arguing that there had not been a significant delay in moving forward with President Joe Biden's nominees. Meanwhile, some of her Republican colleagues accused Democrats of trying to force the veteran senator into retirement.
"I have every intention of returning as soon as possible," said Feinstein earlier this month. "I will continue working from home on behalf of my constituents while I recuperate."
During her absence, the evenly split Senate Judiciary Committee faced challenges in advancing more liberal judicial nominees. For instance, Biden’s nomination of Californian Julie Su to permanently lead the Labor Department remains pending.
The senior lawmaker announced earlier this year that she would not run for re-election in 2024 when her term expires.
Senators are set for a vote at 5:30 pm on Tuesday; however, it is unclear if Feinstein will be present depending on her flight schedule from California.
Upon learning about Feinstein's impending return, fellow California Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna expressed his support: "It's good news Sen. Feinstein is returning – we need experienced leaders like her fighting alongside us here in Congress."
While she was sidelined with shingles during March and April, Republicans were able to pass a measure overturning new air pollution standards by one vote (50-49), thanks partly to Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia siding with GOP lawmakers.
Feinstein has missed a total of 91 votes during this period but aims at making up lost ground upon resuming office later this week or early next week at the latest. As her return looms, Washington braces for a critical time when the U.S. government is expected to reach its borrowing limit sometime in early June.
This story is still developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.