Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has refused to temporarily replace 89-year-old

…Researched and contributed by Joseph Benjamin.

Senator Dianne Feinstein on the Judiciary Committee while she battles with shingles.

Democrats have faced challenges in the 51-49 Senate, with absences by Feinstein and Pennsylvania's John Fetterman, who returned to the U.S. Capitol Monday following six weeks of treatment for clinical depression. — Democrats have faced challenges in the 51-49 Senate, with absences by Feinstein and Pennsylvania’s John Fetterman, who returned to the U.S. Capitol Monday following six weeks of treatment for clinical depression.

Feinstein’s absence has slowed down the confirmation process for federal judges, with Democrats seeking her temporary removal from the committee.

However, McConnell dismissed the request as “extremely unusual,” saying that he would not assist Democrats in “ramming through their very worst nominees” on the Judiciary Committee.

McConnell indicated that the panel had reported out over 50 nominees, and that the administration did not face any obstacles in moving remotely qualified nominees forward.

Controversy Surrounding Feinstein’s Role

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., center, walks to the Senate Chamber, Monday, April 17, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington, after almost six weeks away after a fall at a Washington-area hotel and extended treatment for a concussion. He has yet to reveal whether he would seek to block Democrats from shifting Feinstein off Judiciary, where her absences have stalled President Biden's nomiantions — Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., center, walks to the Senate Chamber, Monday, April 17, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington, after almost six weeks away after a fall at a Washington-area hotel and extended treatment for a concussion. He has yet to reveal whether he would seek to block Democrats from shifting Feinstein off Judiciary, where her absences have stalled President Biden’s nomiantions

Senators from both parties have expressed their views on Feinstein’s role on the Judiciary Committee, with some calling for her resignation due to her advanced age.

Calls for Feinstein to resign grew louder after she was hospitalized for shingles and missed a series of committee votes.

Her absence from the committee has hindered Democrats’ ability to move nominations through the Senate.

Republicans Object to Feinstein’s Temporary Replacement

Republicans have the power to block Democrats from removing Feinstein from the Judiciary Committee.

If Schumer requests unanimous consent to make the move, any single senator could object, and party leaders could then attempt to push the change through on a vote.

However, they would need to obtain 60 votes to make the change.

Democrats’ Future

If Republicans block the move to remove Feinstein temporarily, it will put the issue back in Democrats’ court, and they will have to find other ways to move nominations through the Senate.

California progressive Rep. Ro Khanna has called on Governor Gavin Newsom to appoint a “caretaker” senator to fill the seat.

McConnell’s Stance on the Matter

McConnell’s refusal to temporarily replace Feinstein has sparked controversy, with some accusing him of holding up the confirmation process for federal judges.

McConnell is an institutionalist who considers himself responsible for helping to remake the judiciary through bitter floor flights.

However, he hopes to reclaim the majority next year with his own aging cohort, and his refusal to assist Democrats in moving forward with their nominees may have political consequences.

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