White House rips Republicans for refusing Feinstein’s replacement request: ‘Scorched earth’
Naomi Lim
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The White House accused Senate Republicans of trying to take advantage of Sen. Dianne Feinstein‘s (D-CA) prolonged absence from Washington, D.C., with shingles, blocking attempts to replace her on the Judiciary Committee temporarily.
“This is a request that we think is reasonable. This is something that Sen. Feinstein asked for. This is her request,” press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Tuesday. “It is flat wrong to the person to seek partisan advantage from health issues of a colleague.”
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“The American people reject that kind of scorched-earth type of behavior or approach to governing,” she added.
Jean-Pierre downplayed speculation Feinstein’s absence since February is complicating President Joe Biden‘s agenda, particularly regarding confirming federal judges.
She also repeated that Feinstein’s decision to retire before her term concludes next year “is a decision for her to make,” describing her not just as Biden’s former colleague but friend. Biden and Feinstein worked together to pass an assault weapons ban when they were both in the Senate.
“That is something that she gets to make and should be allowed to do that,” she said.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is hoping to amend the Senate’s organizing resolution to replace Feinstein on one of her committees temporarily but needs at least 10 Republicans to support the maneuver.
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“Let’s be clear. Senate Republicans will not take part in sidelining a temporarily absent colleague off a committee just so Democrats can force through their very worst nominees,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said earlier Thursday.
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), who has endorsed Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) in the race to replace Feinstein in the Senate permanently, has publicly called on the senior senator, 89, to step down early.