Dianne Feinstein is the oldest serving senator in the US, representing California since 1992. However, her recent behavior has raised serious concerns about her health and fitness to serve.
Feinstein returned to Washington last week after a three-month medical leave due to shingles. During this time, she missed more than 50 votes on the Senate floor and jeopardized the confirmation of Joe Biden’s judicial nominees. She also failed to attend any hearings of the Senate Judiciary Committee, of which she is a senior member.
When asked by reporters on Tuesday how she has been received by her colleagues since returning to Washington, Feinstein appeared to deny that she had ever left. “I haven’t been gone. I’ve been working,” she said. When pressed if she meant she had been working remotely, she became irritated and said: “No, I’ve been here. I’ve been voting. Please. You either know or don’t know.”
This bizarre exchange has sparked new questions about Feinstein’s cognitive abilities and memory. According to various sources, Feinstein has been suffering from memory losses and relying heavily on her staff for years. She often repeats entire conversations or reacts with confusion when presented with documents she requested. Her staff have devised a system to ensure that she is never unaccompanied in the Capitol, fearing what she might say to reporters or other officials.
Feinstein’s denial of her absence is not only alarming but also disrespectful to her constituents and colleagues. She has effectively abandoned her duties as a senator for a quarter of a year, leaving California underrepresented and the Senate gridlocked. She has also shown a lack of awareness and accountability for her actions, refusing to acknowledge her health problems or provide any details on her recovery.
Feinstein has announced that she will not seek re-election in 2024, but that is not soon enough. She should retire now.