“Just say aye,” Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Patty Murray repeatedly pleaded to Feinstein during the vote. Eventually, Feinstein did just that.
Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein on Thursday appeared confused and attempted to deliver a longer speech during a Senate hearing, the latest in a string of episodes that have raised further questions about her ability to continue serving in office.
“Just say aye,” Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Patty Murray repeatedly pleaded with her colleague.
Instead of a short reply, Feinstein began her response by saying, “I would like to support a yes vote on this, it provides $823 billion …” As the California Democrat continued to speak, an aide also intervened to try to remind the lawmaker that this was not the time for speeches.
“OK,” Feinstein then said as Murray reminded her one final time to “just say aye.” “Aye,” she finally said.
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No, it’s because she’s the deciding vote on the judiciary committee and is needed to confirm judges. I’m not saying it like that’s much better, but it’s not because they’re a bunch of old folks looking out for each other.
This is the answer. She doesn’t just get replaced instantaneously and she absolutely doesn’t get her committee positions filled quickly, if at all. She took things too far to turn back. The GOP will stall any committee replacement for Feinstein. It’s already too late. At this point, pulling a Weekend at Bernie’s is unfortunately the preferable solution.
https://rollcall.com/2023/04/17/replacing-feinstein-can-be-complicated-senate-history-shows/