# Should Diane Feinstein resign from the senate? She has missed some 60+ of 80+ votes this year {2023-09-29 she passed away} **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [April 13, 2023, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-diane-feinstein-resign-from-the-senate-she-has-missed-some-60-of-80-votes-this-year-2023-09-29-she-passed-away/982629 "2023-04-13T15:32:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 15
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2023, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-diane-feinstein-resign-from-the-senate-she-has-missed-some-60-of-80-votes-this-year-2023-09-29-she-passed-away/982629/281 "2023-05-21T17:31:46Z")
The Senate passes an organizing resolution at the start of each session that specifies which specific Senators sit on which committees. Any change to that resolution would require a new vote that could be filibustered. The Senate has routinely amended the organizing resolution when a Senator dies/resigns midterm and is replaced, usually by unanimous consent. Republicans argued that replacing Feinstein “temporarily” on the Judiciary Committee was unprecedented which is why they opposed it. If she fully resigned, it would be unprecedented for Republicans to block replacing her committee assignments. But I think even most Republicans would balk at that maneuver, as plenty of Republicans die/resign from the Senate. ---
**Author:** ![DeadTreasSecretaries](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/deadtreassecretaries/32/4817_2.png) [@DeadTreasSecretaries](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeadTreasSecretaries)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2023, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-diane-feinstein-resign-from-the-senate-she-has-missed-some-60-of-80-votes-this-year-2023-09-29-she-passed-away/982629/282 "2023-05-22T02:27:18Z")
I would have to think if the GOP did do that then even as narrow and fractured the Dem majority is they’d overrule the filibuster. The idea of just finishing out a term with the majority party not having a majority in the most important committee is untenable. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2023, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-diane-feinstein-resign-from-the-senate-she-has-missed-some-60-of-80-votes-this-year-2023-09-29-she-passed-away/982629/283 "2023-05-22T02:32:33Z")
> [@DeadTreasSecretaries](#): > > The idea of just finishing out a term with the majority party not having a majority in the most important committee is untenable. Kyrsten Sinema: “What’s in it for me?” ---
**Author:** ![Common\_Tater](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/common_tater/32/13846_2.png) [@Common\_Tater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Common_Tater)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2023, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-diane-feinstein-resign-from-the-senate-she-has-missed-some-60-of-80-votes-this-year-2023-09-29-she-passed-away/982629/284 "2023-06-16T11:41:57Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > It would never fly, but a requirement to pass a cognitive testing exam\* for elected officials 80 or over would be more fair than a rigid age limit. As long as we’re dreaming, SF86 background investigations for anyone wanting to run for elected positions. The way it works, someone who wins an election is “deemed” to have passed a background investigation or assumed to be qualified, or somesuch twaddle. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2023, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-diane-feinstein-resign-from-the-senate-she-has-missed-some-60-of-80-votes-this-year-2023-09-29-she-passed-away/982629/285 "2023-07-27T20:14:52Z")
More: Full title: **A confused Dianne Feinstein tried to give a speech in the middle of a Senate hearing vote and was told to ‘just say aye’ instead** > **[A confused Dianne Feinstein tried to give a speech in the middle of a Senate...](https://www.businessinsider.com/dianne-feinstein-confused-just-say-aye-senate-hearing-video-2023-7?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=insider-politics-sub-post)** > > "Just say aye," Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Patty Murray repeatedly pleaded to Feinstein during the vote. Eventually, Feinstein did just that. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2023, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-diane-feinstein-resign-from-the-senate-she-has-missed-some-60-of-80-votes-this-year-2023-09-29-she-passed-away/982629/286 "2023-07-27T20:19:22Z")
That is blocked for users using condoms (ad-blockers). Can you summarize it? ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2023, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-diane-feinstein-resign-from-the-senate-she-has-missed-some-60-of-80-votes-this-year-2023-09-29-she-passed-away/982629/287 "2023-07-27T20:21:35Z")
Sure. From that article: > 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. - [SOURCE](https://www.businessinsider.com/dianne-feinstein-confused-just-say-aye-senate-hearing-video-2023-7?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=insider-politics-sub-post) Jul 27, 2023, 1:54 PM CDT ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2023, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-diane-feinstein-resign-from-the-senate-she-has-missed-some-60-of-80-votes-this-year-2023-09-29-she-passed-away/982629/288 "2023-07-27T20:24:39Z")
Not having seen it, Senators and Representatives pontificate any chance they get. Like hearings when they make a 5 minute statement before every question. How was this different? Were any other Senators making statements or was she the only one? Was it really a “Grandma let’s get back to the home.” moment? ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2023, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-diane-feinstein-resign-from-the-senate-she-has-missed-some-60-of-80-votes-this-year-2023-09-29-she-passed-away/982629/289 "2023-07-27T20:27:38Z")
I think the issue is Feinstein has been in congress since forever. She knows when she can pontificate. This was not one of those times. She was clearly addled. At least, that is my take. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2023, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-diane-feinstein-resign-from-the-senate-she-has-missed-some-60-of-80-votes-this-year-2023-09-29-she-passed-away/982629/290 "2023-07-27T20:29:20Z")
I just stated in the McConnell thread that age should be that age should not be the limit for a senator and other positions. However the faith of the electorate and the principle of elected politicians avoiding the appearance of clinging to power should be considered. We need to be able to say that any official that in such poor health should step down without political bias. In both of these cases a member of their party is guaranteed to replace them\*. I understand McConnell holds a powerful position in the Senate, but that is just another problem with rules which should be changed by the election of better senators in both parties. \*McConnell is guaranteed a replacement in his party. I don’t know if that’s exactly the same in CA, but the Democratic governor will certainly pick another Democrat. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2023, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-diane-feinstein-resign-from-the-senate-she-has-missed-some-60-of-80-votes-this-year-2023-09-29-she-passed-away/982629/291 "2023-07-27T20:35:40Z")
An issue with this is a senator’s term is six years. Anecdotally I can say my mom was afflicted with Alzheimer’s and she diminished dramatically in the space of a year or so. If she were a senator I can almost guarantee she would not resign. She wasn’t in her right mind to even contemplate doing so and she had no idea of her disability. Then her state would suffer for years as she would not be able to represent them properly. Only the senate could evict her and we know that would never happen in today’s senate. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2023, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-diane-feinstein-resign-from-the-senate-she-has-missed-some-60-of-80-votes-this-year-2023-09-29-she-passed-away/982629/292 "2023-07-27T20:49:45Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > This was not one of those times. She was clearly addled. Agree. She looked very confused but at least when corrected she clicked back into the right mode and said “Aye!” instead of starting an argument. Apologists are going to say it’s no biggee, but for someone whose been there as long as her, she should know when is the right time to make a speech or when to just say aye. From the linked article: _In recent weeks, Feinstein voted in favor of a Republican-led amendment during a different Senate hearing before being corrected._ I guess we’ve reached a point in our political system where the balance of power is such a thin strand that we make any excuse to keep these fossils in place so all they have to do is vote as they are told. ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2023, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-diane-feinstein-resign-from-the-senate-she-has-missed-some-60-of-80-votes-this-year-2023-09-29-she-passed-away/982629/293 "2023-08-09T18:39:58Z")
> **[Sen. Dianne Feinstein, 90, falls at home and goes to hospital, but scans are...](https://apnews.com/article/dianne-feinstein-fall-hospital-31a1358e1c25839b45bb699d83c75d58)** > > Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says he spoke with Sen. Dianne Feinstein after she fell in her home and went to the hospital for a short time. She didn’t fall down. She’s pining for the fjords. ---
**Author:** ![Tamerlane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tamerlane/32/7602_2.png) [@Tamerlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamerlane)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2023, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-diane-feinstein-resign-from-the-senate-she-has-missed-some-60-of-80-votes-this-year-2023-09-29-she-passed-away/982629/294 "2023-08-09T18:52:42Z")
Ugh. She just needs to retire already. It will give Gavin Newsom heartburn picking her replacement, but fuck him. That’s what he gets paid for. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2023, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-diane-feinstein-resign-from-the-senate-she-has-missed-some-60-of-80-votes-this-year-2023-09-29-she-passed-away/982629/295 "2023-08-09T19:02:46Z")
Newsom may be concerned about [Republican obstructionism](https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/calif-dems-adopt-same-excuse-for-keeping-feinstein-18185828.php), with good reason, and may not want to give them that control. Perhaps he’d rather roll the dice keeping her in place and hoping she makes it to the end of her term, versus having to replace her and give the Republicans control over the situation… _Their argument is that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell could attempt to block any Feinstein replacements from joining the Senate Judiciary Committee, effectively stalling Biden’s judicial nominees until the 2024 general election._ Adam Schiff: _“Were she to leave the Senate before her term expires, I don’t think Republicans would let her be replaced on the Senate Judiciary Committee. The only way we can confirm judges is if she’s there, and she has been since she came back.”_ ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2023, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-diane-feinstein-resign-from-the-senate-she-has-missed-some-60-of-80-votes-this-year-2023-09-29-she-passed-away/982629/296 "2023-08-09T19:57:51Z")
> [@snowthx](#): > > Perhaps he’d rather roll the dice keeping her in place and hoping she makes it to the end of her term Good plan, Gavin. It’s only another (checks watch) 17 months, and she’s only just turned 90, with only minor health concerns. She’ll be fine. (I mean, she might be, but I think he needs a better roll than he’s likely to get.) ---
**Author:** ![Tamerlane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tamerlane/32/7602_2.png) [@Tamerlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamerlane)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2023, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-diane-feinstein-resign-from-the-senate-she-has-missed-some-60-of-80-votes-this-year-2023-09-29-she-passed-away/982629/297 "2023-08-09T20:13:13Z")
> [@Dr.Drake](#): > > (I mean, she might be, but I think he needs a better roll than he’s likely to get.) He’s going to have to peel off a whole string of natural 20’s at this rate. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2023, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-diane-feinstein-resign-from-the-senate-she-has-missed-some-60-of-80-votes-this-year-2023-09-29-she-passed-away/982629/298 "2023-08-10T02:10:30Z")
Scans are clear? Does that mean scans of her brain revealed nothing? ---
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2023, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-diane-feinstein-resign-from-the-senate-she-has-missed-some-60-of-80-votes-this-year-2023-09-29-she-passed-away/982629/299 "2023-08-10T02:46:20Z")
While he’s not without a point, I can’t help but think Schiff also came to this position because he knows there’s no way in hell Newsom would appoint him to the vacancy. ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2023, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-diane-feinstein-resign-from-the-senate-she-has-missed-some-60-of-80-votes-this-year-2023-09-29-she-passed-away/982629/300 "2023-09-09T00:01:21Z")
The Onion, America’s finest news source. > **[Aide Pulls Several Wet Pages Of Bill Out Of Dianne Feinstein’s Mouth](https://www.theonion.com/aide-pulls-several-wet-pages-of-bill-out-of-dianne-fein-1850813961)** > > WASHINGTON—Trying to dislodge the saliva-covered documents without tearing them on the senator’s teeth, Senate aide Austin Shear reportedly pulled several wet pages out of Dianne Feinstein’s mouth Friday. “No, Dianne, that’s very bad—drop it!” said... O/T I see Pelosi has announced she’s running again. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-diane-feinstein-resign-from-the-senate-she-has-missed-some-60-of-80-votes-this-year-2023-09-29-she-passed-away/982629.md?page=14) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-diane-feinstein-resign-from-the-senate-she-has-missed-some-60-of-80-votes-this-year-2023-09-29-she-passed-away/982629.md?page=16)