Sen. Feinstein to Step Down From Top Role in Senate Judiciary Committee

Dianne Feinstein has announced she’s stepping down as the top ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee. This comes after the 87-year-old California Senator received severe criticism, particularly from liberal activists, following her performance during the Amy Coney Barrett hearings. Many of them believed her actions undermined Democrat’s attempts to halt proceedings which they considered to be unnecessary and were pushed through at an unprecedented speed. Her decision will go into effect when the new session of Congress starts which will be in early 2021. She served in her role for four years. Feinstein said while she will not seek another leadership position, she will continue to serve as a senior Democrat on the Judiciary, Intelligence, Appropriations and Rules panels. She promised to now turn her attention towards “critical national priorities” such as the pandemic, climate change, health care, gun safety, criminal justice and immigration. Following her announcement, Illinois Democrat Dick Durbin revealed last night he will run in her place.