Bay Area Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna calls on Feinstein to resign
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Bay Area Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna on Wednesday called for California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein to resign -- a rare instance of a lawmaker urging a member of their own party to step down from Congress.
"It's time for @SenFeinstein to resign. We need to put the country ahead of personal loyalty. While she has had a lifetime of public service, it is obvious she can no longer fulfill her duties. Not speaking out undermines our credibility as elected representatives of the people," Khanna said Wednesday on Twitter.
The 89-year-old Feinstein announced in early March that she had been hospitalized and was receiving treatment for shingles. On March 7, Feinstein said on Twitter that she was recovering at home as she continued to receive treatment, and she said that she looked forward to returning to the Senate "as soon as possible."
Feinstein released a new statement regarding her medical diagnosis and planned return to Congress early Wednesday evening.
"When I was first diagnosed with shingles, I expected to return by the end of the March work period. Unfortunately, my return to Washington has been delayed due to continued complications related to my diagnosis.
"I intend to return as soon as possible once my medical team advises that it's safe for me to travel. In the meantime, I remain committed to the job and will continue to work from home in San Francisco.
"I understand that my absence could delay the important work of the Judiciary Committee, so I've asked Leader Schumer to ask the Senate to allow another Democratic senator to temporarily serve until I'm able to resume my committee work."
So far there has been no information regarding a possible timeline for when a new Democratic senator might be appointed to the committee to take Feinstein's place.
Earlier this year, the California Democrat announced that she would not run for reelection.
A number of Democrats have already launched campaigns for Feinstein's seat in 2024 in what is shaping up to be a competitive primary, among them Oakland Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee. Khanna is co-chair of Lee's campaign to fill Feinstein's Senate seat.
Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips responded to Khanna's tweet saying that he agreed.
"Senator Feinstein is a remarkable American whose contributions to our country are immeasurable. But I believe it's now a dereliction of duty to remain in the Senate and a dereliction of duty for those who agree to remain quiet," Phillips tweeted.
KPIX was able to ask San Francisco Rep. Nancy Pelosi for her reaction after an event she spoke at in Japantown Wednesday afternoon. She was quick to defend Feinstein.
"Senator Feinstein has been a champion for California. For 20 years, I have been the leader or the Speaker of the House fighting for California and I have seen up close and firsthand her great leadership for our country, but especially for our state of California," Pelosi said. "She deserves the respect to get well and be back on duty. It's interesting to me. I don't know what political agendas are at work that are going after Senator Feinstein in that way."
She also there could be an element of sexism to the calls for Feinstein's resignation, adding, "I've never seen them go after a man in the Senate in that way."
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin acknowledged to CNN recently that Feinstein's absence has slowed down their push to confirm nominees.
Asked if her absence has longer ramifications for the Democrats' ability to confirm nominees, the committee chairman said, "yes, of course it does," pointing to the long process of getting nominees scheduled for votes during precious floor time.
