Feinstein expressed confusion over Kamala Harris presiding over Senate: report
Senator Dianne Feinstein Reportedly Expresses Confusion Over Vice President Harris Presiding Over Senate, Highlighting Her Struggles as She Continues Work
According to a recent report, Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) expressed confusion last year when Vice President Kamala Harris presided over the Senate to cast a tiebreaking vote. The report sheds light on the challenges faced by the ailing lawmaker as she continues her work in the Senate.
The New York Times’ new report outlines the roles played by Feinstein’s staff as the 89-year-old senator returns to work following her battles with shingles and encephalitis earlier this year.
The incident involving Harris reportedly occurred last year and underscores Feinstein’s occasional difficulty in recalling the basics of Senate operations. According to the report, Feinstein expressed confusion to her colleagues upon seeing Harris presiding over the chamber during one of the vice president’s many tiebreaking votes.
According to a person who witnessed the scene, Feinstein reportedly asked, “What is she doing here?”
Reports of Feinstein’s memory issues have been circulating for over a year. Since returning to the Senate after an extended absence due to illness, the California Democrat appears more fragile and increasingly relies on her staff to fulfill her duties.
Feinstein announced in February that she would not seek reelection in 2024 but intends to serve the remainder of her term. Some Democrats had called for her resignation during her extended absence, but momentum on the issue has waned since her return to work.
