All senators rely heavily on staff. But for years, Feinstein’s memory problems have meant that she has needed far more support than other senators. Briefing her on the news of the day requires longer sessions and more background information.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein returns to Capitol Hill, in Washington, May 10, 2023.
The scene was typical of Feinstein’s day-to-day existence on Capitol Hill, where she is surrounded by a retinue of staff members who serve not only the roles of typical congressional aides — advising on policy, keeping tabs on the schedule, drafting statements and speeches — but also as de facto companions to a senator whose age, frail health and memory issues make it difficult for her to function alone.
Since she has returned to work on a limited schedule as she recovers from shingles and multiple serious complications, Feinstein’s staff has made sure she is never alone and is heavily protected. The Capitol Police and the Senate sargeant-at-arms have gone to great lengths to keep Feinstein shielded from photographers and reporters, the Los Angeles Times reported, helping to create a bubble around her as staff runs interference on her behalf.
“They have a responsibility to give her brutally honest counsel and then adhere to her wishes, as she — and not they — were elected,” said David Axelrod, a former top adviser to former President Barack Obama. “And they have an obligation to help her meet her own responsibilities to her state and the office.”
Yet Feinstein’s staff has taken heat from critics on the left who have been angered at her refusal to step down immediately, and who argue that her aides are complicit in helping to prop up a lawmaker who should no longer be serving. Information is delivered to Feinstein in color-coded folders. There’s a format in place for submitting vote recommendations. And the office has a vast library of letters to draw on for responses to some 5 million pieces of correspondence from constituents it receives every year.
Since returning to Washington, Feinstein has missed six votes and has not participated in any committee hearings or caucus lunches. Still, there is a sense among her staff members that the office needs to keep functioning. And the reality of the Senate is that, even with a senator sidelined, an office can run in a fairly normal fashion.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Feinstein, back in the Senate, relies heavily on staff to functionWhen Sen. Dianne Feinstein entered a hearing room this month to reclaim her seat on the Senate Judiciary Committee after a monthslong absence, she was accompanied by a phalanx of aides.
Read more »
Hillary Clinton makes case for Dianne Feinstein staying in SenateHillary Clinton argued that Sen. Dianne Feinstein — the 89-year-old California Democrat who has refused to resign despite worries about her health and ability to legislate — should remain in the Senate if Democrats want to continue confirming President Biden's judicial nominees.
Read more »
The ugly proxy war over Feinstein's Senate seatAs 89-year-old Dianne Feinstein returns to work following a health issue, the fight over the Senate seat she still occupies has devolved into a proxy fight in California.
Read more »
Stanford star, top-ranked amateur Rose Zhang officially turns pro after back-to-back national titlesStanford star and the top-ranked women's amateur Rose Zhang is officially turning pro.
Read more »
Padres look for back-to-back wins over YankeesThe San Diego Padres envision prosperity by stars Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr. hitting prodigious home runs.
Read more »
Why Memorial Day and Independence Day should be back to backSometimes you get to know your own country best by visiting another country. That was my experience after a recent trip to Israel during their Memorial Day and Independence Day celebrations this past April. Perhaps, like me, you were unaware that in Israel, those two holidays are back to back.…
Read more »