Democrats Furious as Senate Republicans Overturn Biden Rule with Manchin’s Help and Feinstein’s Absence

U.S. House Rep Ro Khanna (D-PA) called for U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) to “step down gracefully.”

Khanna shared what spurred his call for Feinstein to step down in a tweet, “Because Senator Feinstein was absent, the Senate overturned a Biden rule that would cut pollution from heavy duty trucks and causes harm to people’s lungs. We are putting decorum over democracy and our values. It’s time for Senator Feinstein to step down gracefully.”

The resolution passed with U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) joining with Republicans, and in Feinstein’s absence it was not a tie, so Republicans were handed a win.

Because Senator Feinstein was absent, the Senate overturned a Biden rule that would cut pollution from heavy duty trucks and causes harm to people’s lungs. We are putting decorum over democracy and our values. It’s time for Senator Feinstein to step down gracefully. https://t.co/qmNsJO671a

— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) April 27, 2023

Feinstein released a statement on April 12th about her absence from the Senate:

When I was first diagnosed with shingles, I expected to return by the end of the March work period. Unfortunately, my return to Washington has been delayed due to continued complications related to my diagnosis.

I intend to return as soon as possible once my medical team advises that it’s safe for me to travel. In the meantime, I remain committed to the job and will continue to work from home in San Francisco.

I understand that my absence could delay the important work of the Judiciary Committee, so I’ve asked Leader Schumer to ask the Senate to allow another Democratic senator to temporarily serve until I’m able to resume my committee work.

Feinstein has shared she won’t be seeking re-election, but doesn’t appear to be ready to step down any earlier.

A few U.S. House Democrat members have announced their bid for Feinstein’s seat, including Barbara Lee, Adam Schiff, and Katie Porter. Feinstein has held the seat since she took it in a 1992 special election.

With Feinstein’s absence and Manchin caucusing with the Republicans on occasion, Democrats feel shafted.

Feinstein doesn’t seem to want to say goodbye to Congress but it seems that pressure from her own party is mounting.

Time will tell if Feinstein can hold on to her seat until the end of her term.