…Researched and contributed by Joseph Benjamin.
Senator Dianne Feinstein on the Judiciary Committee while she battles with shingles.
Feinstein’s absence has slowed down the confirmation process for federal judges, with Democrats seeking her temporary removal from the committee.
However, McConnell dismissed the request as “extremely unusual,” saying that he would not assist Democrats in “ramming through their very worst nominees” on the Judiciary Committee.
McConnell indicated that the panel had reported out over 50 nominees, and that the administration did not face any obstacles in moving remotely qualified nominees forward.
Controversy Surrounding Feinstein’s Role
Senators from both parties have expressed their views on Feinstein’s role on the Judiciary Committee, with some calling for her resignation due to her advanced age.
Calls for Feinstein to resign grew louder after she was hospitalized for shingles and missed a series of committee votes.
Her absence from the committee has hindered Democrats’ ability to move nominations through the Senate.
Republicans Object to Feinstein’s Temporary Replacement
Republicans have the power to block Democrats from removing Feinstein from the Judiciary Committee.
If Schumer requests unanimous consent to make the move, any single senator could object, and party leaders could then attempt to push the change through on a vote.
However, they would need to obtain 60 votes to make the change.
Democrats’ Future
If Republicans block the move to remove Feinstein temporarily, it will put the issue back in Democrats’ court, and they will have to find other ways to move nominations through the Senate.
California progressive Rep. Ro Khanna has called on Governor Gavin Newsom to appoint a “caretaker” senator to fill the seat.
McConnell’s Stance on the Matter
McConnell’s refusal to temporarily replace Feinstein has sparked controversy, with some accusing him of holding up the confirmation process for federal judges.
McConnell is an institutionalist who considers himself responsible for helping to remake the judiciary through bitter floor flights.
However, he hopes to reclaim the majority next year with his own aging cohort, and his refusal to assist Democrats in moving forward with their nominees may have political consequences.