NYT Calls on Feinstein to Resign: ‘Senate Seats Are Not Lifetime’ Positions

A major paper’s editorial board is joining the calls for Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) to resign due to her absence from the chamber.

In a column published on Friday, The New York Times’ editorial board wrote, “ has had a distinguished career in the U.S. Senate, but her infirmities and illness now force her — and Senate leaders like Charles Schumer — to make a painful choice.”

“At age 89, Ms. Feinstein is now the Senate’s oldest member, and health issues have kept her out of Washington and the Senate chamber for more than two months, at a time when vital legislation and judicial nominations are hanging on a knife’s edge,” it continued.

The column went on:

“If she cannot fulfill her obligations to the Senate and to her constituents, she should resign and turn over her responsibilities to an appointed successor. If she is unable to reach that decision on her own, Mr. Schumer, the majority leader, and other Democratic senators should make it clear to her and the public how important it is that she do so.”

The editorial board noted senators “play many roles in shaping legislation and policy.”

“But they have one primary and inescapable duty: They must show up in person to vote in the chamber. If they cannot do that for extended periods, they are depriving their constituents — and California has 39 million of them — of a voice and of fundamental representation,” it added.

Additionally, the Times noted Feinstein’s absence has made it difficult for Democrats to advance nominations to the Senate floor. The column pointed out proxy voting is allowed for committees. However, a proxy vote cannot be the deciding vote for the committee if there is an even split.