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Republicans on Tuesday formally blocked Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s request to temporarily replace Senator Dianne Feinstein on the Judiciary Committee, something Democrats had hoped to do to advance stalled judicial nominations.
Senate Democrats are seeking to temporarily replace Feinstein on the powerful panel that processes judicial nominees because the California Democrat is absent, recovering from the crunch.
However, Senate Republicans have made clear they are prepared to block Democratic efforts to replace Feinstein on the committee, increasing pressure on the 89-year-old California Democrat to resign or return quickly.
Feinstein’s return date is still unclear and she I asked just last week As soon as she recovers, she will be “temporarily” replaced on the committee.
Schumer introduced her proposal Tuesday by talking about her friendship with Feinstein and highlighting her accomplishments.
“Today, I am acting not only as a leader but as a friend to Dianne, respecting her wishes as she returns to the Senate,” Schumer said.
The top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, GOP Senator Lindsey Graham, objected to Schumer’s request, though he also praised the California Democrat. He argued that Schumer’s move was meant to get more judges confirmed.
“He is a dear friend and we look forward to his speedy recovery and return to the Senate. With all due respect, my colleague, Senator Schumer, this is about the handful of judges you can’t get votes for,” Graham said.
Democrats could still force a vote to replace Feinstein, but it would require the support of 10 Republicans and it’s unlikely they would use a lot of valuable floor time on something with little chance of success. do.
Feinstein, who has already announced she is not seeking reelection, initially said she hoped to return to Washington “by the end of the March term,” but “due to continued complications related to my diagnosis.” Due to which his return was delayed.”
She recently said that she plans to return “as soon as my medical team advises that it is safe for me to travel.”
Cardin told CNN on Tuesday that he had discussed the temporary replacement on the committee with Schumer, but that he had not discussed the decision with Feinstein.
The Maryland Democrat said he and Feinstein have not spoken since she has been out of the Senate and that it is her understanding this is only a temporary move until she returns.
“I recognize the importance of numbers in the committee, and that is how we are able to conduct business. “I see it as a way to deal with the current situation,” Cardin said.
democrat 60 votes would be needed to replace Feinstein on the panel, but senior Republicans in leadership and on the committee made clear Monday they would not vote for him to do so. If Feinstein doesn’t return soon, at least 12 nominees, or possibly more, could hold out.
If Democrats are unable to replace Feinstein or if she does not return to Washington soon, they could see major agenda items fail in both committee and on the Senate floor.
Asked whether the California Democrat should consider resigning if she could not return by May, Schumer responded that she was “hopeful” she would be back “very soon.”
“Look, I spoke to Senator Feinstein just a few days ago and she and I both have high hopes that she’ll be back very soon,” Schumer said at her weekly policy press conference at the U.S. Capitol.
Feinstein announced in February that she Will not contest elections again And several Democrats have already begun campaigns for his seat in 2024, in what is shaping up to be a competitive primary.
Many Democrats in Congress have been largely supportive of her decision to remain in office while she recovers from the concussion and is absent from the Capitol.
But Feinstein has faced calls from two House Democrats to resign — and if Democrats aren’t able to replace her on the committee, that number could begin to grow.
Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin CNN recently acknowledged Feinstein’s absence slowed the party’s effort to confirm candidates. But Durbin declined to ask Feinstein to resign, saying she hoped Republicans would help temporarily replace her on the committee and recognize that “rain can fall on both sides of the street.”
Asked if his absence would have a long-term impact on Democrats’ ability to confirm nominees, the Illinois Democrat said, “Yes, it certainly does,” during precious floor time that puts nominees up for votes. Pointing to the long process of determining.
Republican Senator John Cornyn, a senior member of the Judiciary Committee and a close adviser to McConnell, told CNN that he opposes the effort to replace Feinstein on the panel.
“I don’t think Republicans can or should help President Biden’s most controversial candidates,” the Texas Republican said. “I support Senator Feinstein returning as soon as possible. But this effort to confirm controversial and in many cases largely unqualified candidates, I don’t think you can expect any Republican cooperation.
This story has been updated with additional information.