(USNewsBreak.com) – Senator Dianne Feinstein was the longest-serving woman in Congress’ upper chamber. She was first elected in 1992 and held the role for more than 30 years, never shying away from a battle or a chance to find common ground with the GOP during her tenure. However, she passed away last week at the age of 90.
The news broke on Thursday, September 29, that Feinstein had passed away. Her chief of staff, James Sauls, released a statement on her official website saying she had died at her home in Washington, DC. “Few women… can be called senator, chairman, mayor, wife, mom, and grandmother,” he wrote, saying her death was “a great loss for so many.”
🚨 BREAKING: Senator Dianne Feinstein passes away at 90 pic.twitter.com/DxcYiENSSv
— Media Research Center (@theMRC) September 29, 2023
Feinstein was well-known for being a trailblazer in both state and national politics. She was a strong proponent of gun control but was also willing to reach a compromise with her counterparts across the aisle. She regularly drew criticism from her own party for being willing to work with the opposite side and for denouncing several Democrat wish-list items such as the Green New Deal and a single-payer healthcare system.
Feinstein had suffered from numerous health concerns in the months leading up to her death. She missed several votes in March after falling ill with Shingles in February. She ended up remaining out of commission for months. When she did return to work, many people called into question whether she could continue to do the job. There were a number of calls for her resignation, which she ignored, remaining steadfast that she would complete her current term.
With Feinstein’s death, the responsibility fell on California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) to fill the vacancy. He chose Laphonza Butler, the current Emily’s List president, as her successor. Her death also leaves an empty chair on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which Republicans have vowed not to block her replacement.
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