Sen. Dianne Feinstein required a gentle reminder to cast her vote during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on Thursday. The senior California Democrat, who has been dealing with health issues since her shingles diagnosis earlier this year, has displayed moments of confusion since returning to the Capitol.
Feinstein, who, at the age of 90, holds the distinction of being the oldest member serving in the US Senate, has faced concerns about her health in recent years. Some members of her own party even called on her to resign her Senate seat due to an extended absence following her shingles diagnosis, but she resumed her responsibilities in June.
During Thursday’s hearing, Feinstein was expected to voice her vote on the Defense Appropriations bill by saying “Aye” or “Nay” when her name was called. However, she did not respond, prompting Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington state to offer her a reminder.
“Say aye,” Murray repeated three times to Feinstein.
Feinstein then began reading her prepared remarks but was interrupted by an aide whispering in her ear.
“Yeah,” Murray prompted once again. “Just say ‘aye.’
“OK, just,” Feinstein responded.
“Aye,” Murray repeated once more.
Finally, Feinstein settled back in her chair and said, “Aye,” officially casting her vote.
Feinstein announced earlier this year that she will not seek reelection in 2024. During her absence this spring, Democrats expressed concerns that the confirmation process for nominees through the Senate Judiciary Committee, where Feinstein is a member, would be hindered. However, Feinstein refuted these concerns, asserting that there were no significant delays in judicial nominations.
This week in Washington, there has been heightened scrutiny of the capabilities of some of the Senate’s oldest members. On Wednesday afternoon, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell experienced a momentary freeze during a news conference and was escorted away from reporters. McConnell, who is 81 years old and the fourth oldest member in the chamber, returned shortly afterwards, stating that he was “fine.” An aide later informed CNN that the Kentucky Republican had felt light-headed.
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