Tlaib joins calls for Feinstein to resign after another GOP win in the Senate
Cami Mondeaux
Video Embed
Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) has joined the ranks of some of her fellow Democrats in calling on Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) to resign from the Senate due to her prolonged absence clogging up judicial nominations and costing the party some key votes.
Tlaib’s comments come in response to a Senate vote on Wednesday to cancel an Environmental Protection Agency mandate that sought to tighten regulations on nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emitted from heavy-duty vehicles. The bill narrowly passed the Senate with a 50-49 vote, with Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) joining all Republicans backing the measure — prompting anger among some Democrats who say Feinstein’s presence would’ve tanked the GOP effort.
KHANNA RENEWS CALLS FOR FEINSTEIN TO RESIGN AFTER SENATE VOTES TO OVERTURN BIDEN EMISSIONS RULE
“Because Sen. Feinstein was absent, Republicans are passing legislation through the Senate, undermining the right of our residents to breathe clean air,” Tlaib tweeted. “And with a far-right judiciary targeting our human rights, we are unable to confirm judges. Sen. Feinstein must step down.”
In calling on Feinstein to resign, Tlaib joins Democratic colleagues such as Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), who offered similar sentiments earlier this week — renewing calls from earlier this month that the California senator should be replaced.
“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,” Khanna said on Thursday. “We are putting decorum over democracy and our values. It’s time for Senator Feinstein to step down gracefully.”
Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) also called on Feinstein to resign earlier this month, urging other Democrats to do the same.
“Senator Feinstein is a remarkable American whose contributions to our country are immeasurable,” Phillips tweeted on April 12. “But I believe it’s now a dereliction of duty to remain in the Senate and a dereliction of duty for those who agree to remain quiet.”
Feinstein has been absent from the Senate since Feb. 27 after being diagnosed with shingles, prompting calls from some Democrats for the California senator to step down so the party can advance its legislative priorities. Khanna was the first lawmaker to call on Feinstein to resign earlier this month, lamenting that her absence has made it increasingly difficult to confirm President Joe Biden’s judicial nominations.
It’s not yet clear when Feinstein will return to the Senate, but the California senator has acknowledged her health complications have kept her away longer than expected. As a result, Feinstein requested to be temporarily replaced on the Judiciary Committee so that Democrats can advance nominations despite her absence. That request was met with unified Republican resistance.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
At 89 years old, Feinstein is the oldest member of Congress and is set to retire from her three-decade tenure at the end of her term. Her retirement has already attracted a crowded field of Democrats hoping to replace her as they seek to hold on to their slim majority in the Senate.
Khanna announced he would not seek the seat, instead backing Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA).