Senator Dianne Feinstein, a California Democrat, has returned to the Senate despite recovering from shingles and using a wheelchair. Senator Chuck Schumer of New York helped her into the chamber to vote. Feinstein’s office released a statement through ABC7 San Francisco’s Liz Kreutz, saying that the senator is dealing with vision and balance impairments and may need a wheelchair to travel around the Capitol.
Feinstein, the oldest senator at 89 years old, had been sick with shingles and had previously stated that she would not be seeking re-election in 2024. In recent years, there has been speculation about her mental health. She had been advised by doctors to return to the Senate, albeit with a lighter workload, and has noted that she is still experiencing some side effects from the virus.
Feinstein’s absence had caused a partisan impasse that prevented the Senate Judiciary Committee from voting on any of President Joe Biden’s nominees for federal judgeships. Republicans have prevented a move to replace Feinstein on the Judiciary Committee, while some Democrats, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ro Khanna, have called for her resignation.
Feinstein issued a statement thanking her supporters and the medical team in San Francisco for their kindness and support during her recovery. She also noted that the most pressing issue facing the Senate is averting a government default on its financial responsibilities, and she looks forward to resuming her work on the Judiciary Committee.