Senator Dianne Feinstein’s (D-Calif.) extended absence from the Senate is reportedly creating a roadblock for the confirmation of President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees at a crucial time.

As per the San Francisco Chronicle, Feinstein has missed 60 out of the 82 Senate votes in 2023, since she was hospitalized for shingles in early March and has been staying at her San Francisco residence since March 7.

With the Senate set to return on April 17 after a recess since March 31, Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) has stated that Feinstein’s absence from the Senate, particularly from the Judiciary Committee, will hinder the Democrats’ ability to confirm judicial nominees.

Feinstein’s team has been tight-lipped about when, if at all, she’ll return to D.C. Her spokesperson told the Chronicle this week that the 89-year-old “continues to work from home in San Francisco as she recuperates, as reported by Jezebel.

Written by staff