Senate Republicans are prepared to block Democratic efforts to replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein on the powerful Judiciary committee, ratcheting up pressure on the 89-year-old California Democrat to resign or return quickly to allow President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees to be confirmed.
Democrats would need 60 votes to replace Feinstein on the panel, but senior Republicans in leadership and on the committee made clear Monday that they would not give them the votes to do that. The result: At least 12 nominees — and maybe more — could be stalled if Feinstein does not return soon.
The stakes are high for Democrats, who could see key agenda items thwarted — both on the committee and on the Senate floor — if they are unable to replace Feinstein and the California Democrat does not return to Washington soon.
Faced with the prospect that the effort to replace Feinstein will fail, Democrats will be under increasing pressure to find a way out of the dilemma.
Many congressional Democrats have remained largely supportive of Feinstein’s decision to remain in office while absent from the Capitol as she continues to recover from shingles. But Feinstein has faced calls to resign from two House Democrats, and if Democrats are not able to replace her on the committee that number could grow in the days ahead.
Sen. John Cornyn, a senior member on the Senate Judiciary Committee and close adviser to Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell, told CNN that he opposes the effort to replace Feinstein on panel.
Cornyn’s comments were echoed by top Republicans and a clear sign Democrats lack the vote they need.
“I don’t think Republicans can or should help President Biden’s most controversial nominees,” Cornyn said. “I support having Sen. Feinstein come back as soon as she can. But this effort to confirm controversial and in many instances largely unqualified nominees, I don’t think you can expect any Republican…
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