Senator Dianne Feinstein Steps Down From Senate Judiciary Committee

Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) said she would be stepping down as the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee. She said, “After serving as the lead Democrat on the Judiciary Committee for four years, I will not seek the chairmanship or ranking member position in the next Congress.”

Senator Feinstein said she will be focusing on issues important in her home state, like drought and California wildfires.

Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) will seek to replace Feinstein leading the Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee. He said, “I intend to seek the top Democratic position on the judiciary committee in the 117th Congress. I have served on the committee for 22 years, and I am its most senior member who does not currently serve atop another Senate committee. We have to roll up our sleeves and get to work on undoing the damage of the last four years and protecting fundamental civil and human rights. The to-do list for the Senate Judiciary Committee is long.”

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) is also in the running to replace Senator Feinstein as the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Whitehouse said, “I look forward to the question of succession on the Senate Judiciary Committee being decided by the caucus. I will abide by the caucus’s decision.”

Senator Feinstein has faced criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. Democrats claimed that she should have opposed Trump’s nomination of Justice Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court more strongly and Republicans who opposed her questioning Coney Barrett’s Roman Catholic faith during an earlier confirmation hearing.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said he was “grateful for Senator Feinstein’s leadership and contributions to our caucus and country.”

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) currently serves as the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. If the Senate remains under Republican control, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) will become chairman once again.