CNN
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Republicans on Tuesday formally blocked a request from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to temporarily replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein on the Judiciary Committee, something Democrats had hoped to do in order to advance stalled judicial nominations.
Senate Democrats are seeking to temporarily replace Feinstein on the powerful panel that processes judicial nominations, while the California Democrat remains absent, recovering from shingles.
Senate Republicans, however, have made clear they are prepared to block Democrats’ efforts to replace Feinstein on the committee, increasing pressure on the 89-year-old California Democrat to resign or return quickly.
It remains unclear when Feinstein will return, and she requested last week to be “temporarily” replaced on the committee while she recovers.
Schumer introduced his motion Tuesday, speaking about his friendship with Feinstein and highlighting his accomplishments.
“Today, I act not only as a leader, but also as a friend to Dianne, honoring her wishes until she returns to the Senate,” Schumer said.
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, opposed Schumer’s request, although he also praised the California Democrat. He argued that Schumer’s move was to get more judges confirmed.
“She is a dear friend and we hope for her speedy recovery and return to the Senate.” With all due respect, my colleague, Senator Schumer, these are a handful of judges that you cannot get votes for,” Graham said.
Democrats could still force a vote to replace Feinstein, but that would require the support of 10 Republicans and are unlikely to use up much valuable time on something with little chance of success.
Feinstein, who previously announced she would not run for reelection, initially said she planned to return to Washington “by the end of the March shift” but that her return had been “delayed due to of persistent complications linked to my diagnosis.
She recently said she plans to return “as soon as possible once my medical team indicates it is safe for me to travel.”
Cardin told CNN on Tuesday that he had spoken with Schumer about temporarily replacing the committee, but had not discussed the decision with Feinstein.
The Maryland Democrat said he and Feinstein had not spoken since she left the Senate and his understanding was that it was only a temporary move until she returned.
“I recognize the importance of the number of committee members and that is how we will be able to conduct our business. I see this as a way to deal with the current situation,” Cardin said.
Democrats would need 60 votes to replace Feinstein on the panel, but senior Republicans on the leadership and committee made clear Monday that they would not give them the votes to do so. If Feinstein doesn’t return soon, at least 12 candidates, if not more, could be blocked.
If Democrats fail to replace Feinstein or if she doesn’t return to Washington soon, they could see key agenda items thwarted — both on the committee and in the Senate.
Asked whether the California Democrat should consider resigning if she can’t return by May, Schumer said he was “hoping” she would return “very soon.”
“Look, I spoke to Senator Feinstein just a few days ago and she and I both hope she comes back very soon,” Schumer said during her weekly political news conference at the U.S. Capitol.
Feinstein announced in February that she would not run for re-election, and a number of Democrats have already launched campaigns for her seat in 2024 in what is shaping up to be a competitive primary.
Many congressional Democrats largely support her decision to remain in office while away from the Capitol as she recovers from shingles.
But Feinstein has faced calls for resignation from two House Democrats — and if Democrats fail to replace her on the committee, that number could start to rise.
Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin recently acknowledged to CNN that Feinstein’s absence had slowed the party’s efforts to confirm nominees. But Durbin stopped short of calling on Feinstein to resign, saying he hopes Republicans will help temporarily replace her on the committee and recognizes that “rain can fall on both sides of the road.”
Asked if her absence would have longer implications on Democrats’ ability to confirm nominees, the Illinois Democrat said, “Yes, of course,” pointing to the lengthy process needed for nominees to be confirmed. scheduled for votes for precious time.
Republican Sen. John Cornyn, a ranking member of the Judiciary Committee and a close adviser to McConnell, told CNN he opposed efforts to replace Feinstein on the panel.
“I don’t think Republicans can or should help President Biden’s more controversial nominees,” the Texas Republican said. “I support Senator Feinstein coming back as soon as she can. But when it comes to confirming controversial and, in many cases, largely unqualified nominees, I don’t think we can expect any Republican cooperation.”
This story has been updated with additional information.
Cnn
