Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Wednesday defended Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) is sick (D-Calif.), and has described progressive demands for her resignation as sexist and politically motivated.
Feinstein, who sits on the powerful Judiciary Committee, was hospitalized with shingles last month and continues to recover at her home in San Francisco. Some Democrats have expressed concern that his extended absence could delay the confirmation of President Joe Biden’s judicial nominee and jeopardize his narrow Senate majority. Feinstein has missed 60 Senate votes this year.
Pelosi said Feinstein deserves a chance to recover and return to Washington.
“It’s interesting to me,” Pelosi told reporters. “I don’t know what the political agenda is in the work that will be done after Sen. Feinstein in that way. I’ve never seen him go after a sick person in the Senate like that.
Feinstein on Wednesday asked Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to appoint a temporary replacement on the Judiciary Committee.
“Unfortunately, the return to Washington has been delayed due to complications related to the diagnosis,” he said. “I intend to return as soon as possible once the medical team advises that it is safe for me to travel.”
Democrats calling for Feinstein’s ouster include Reps. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Dean Phillips (D-Minn.).
“I believe it is now an impossible task to remain in the Senate and a dereliction of duty for those who agree to remain silent,” Phillips wrote on Twitter.
Feinstein, 89, announced earlier this year that she would retire when her current term ends in January 2025.
The race for his successor has heated up, with Reps. Katie Porter, Barbara Lee and Adam Schiff confirming their candidacies. Pelosi has endorsed Schiff in the contest.