CNN
–
Republicans formally blocked a request from the leader of the majority of the Chuck Schumer Senate to temporarily replace Senator Dianne Feinstein in the Judicial Committee, something that the Democrats expected to do to advance in the stagnant judicial nominations.
Senate Democrats seek to temporarily replace Feinstein in the powerful panel that processes the judicial nominated as the California Democrat remains absent, recovering from the tiles.
The Senate Republicans, however, have made it clear that they have been prepared to block democratic efforts to replace Feinstein in the committee, increasing the pressure on the 89 -year -old California Democrat to renounce or return in a risked way.
Feinstein’s return date is not yet clear and asked that last week be replaced “temporarily” in the committee while recovering.
Schumer presented his motion on Tuesday when talking about his friendship with Feinstein and highlighting his achievements.
“Today, I am acting not only as a leader but as Dianne’s friend, honoring her wishes, until I return to the Senate,” Schumer said.
Republican senator Lindsey Graham, the main Republican in the Judicial Committee of the Senate, opposed Schumer’s request, thought he also praised the California Democrat. He argued that Schumer’s movement is to confirm more judges.
“She is a dear friend and we expect her rapid recovery and returns to the Senate. With due respect, my colleague, Senator Schumer, is a handful of judges by whom the votes cannot be obtained,” said Graham.
Democrats could still force a vote to replace Feinstein, but that would require the support of 10 Republicans and it is unlikely that they use a lot of valuable floor for something with little chances of success.
Feinstein, who has already announced that he is not in the re -election of re -election, initially said he hoped to return to Washington “at the end of the March period”, but that his return was “delayed because they continued to my diagnosis.”
Recently he said he plans to return “as soon as possible, one of my medical team advises that it is safe for me to travel.”
Cardin told CNN on Tuesday that he had argued with Schumer as the temporary replacement in the committee, but that he had not discussed the decision with Feinstein.
Maryland’s Democrat said he and Feinstein have not spoken since she has been out of the Senate and that she understands that this is just a temporary movement until she returns.
“I recognize the importance of numbers in the committee, and in this way we can do business. I look at this as a way of dealing with a current situation,” Cardin said.
The Democrats would need 60 votes to replace Feinstein in the panel, but the superior Republicans in the leadership and in the committee made on Monday that they would not give them the votes to do so. If Feinstein does not return soon, at least 12 nominated, or even more possible, they could stagnate.
If the Democrats cannot replace Feinstein or if they do not return to Washington Zoon, they could see the key articles of the frustrated agenda, both in the committee and on the Senate’s floor.
When asked if the California Democrat should consider giving up if he cannot return for May, Schumer replied that he “hope” returns “very soon.”
“Look, I talked to Senator Feinstein only a few days ago and she and I have very hopeful that she will return very soon,” Schumer said at her weekly policy press conference at the United States Capitol.
Feinstein announced in February that it would not appear for re -election, and several Democrats have already launched campaigns for their seat in 2024 in what is emerging as a competitive primary.
Many Democrats of Congress have greatly maintained supporting their decision to remain in office while absent from the Capitol while recovering from the tiles.
But Feinstein has faced calls to give up two Democrats from the House of Representatives, and if the Democrats cannot replace it in the Committee, that number could begin to grow.
The judicial president of the Senate, Dick Durbin, recently recognized CNN that the absence of Feinstein had slowed the impulse of the parties to confirm the nominees. But Durbin has stopped asking Feinstein to resign, saying that he hopes that Republicans will help temporarily replace it in the committee and recognize that “rain can fall on both sides of the road.”
When asked if the absence has longer ramifications for the ability of the Democrats to confirm, the Illinois Democrat said: “Yes, or the course does it,” pointing out the long process of obtaining the nominees scheduled for the duration votes.
Republican senator John Cornyn, main member of the Judicial Committee and near McConnell, told CNN that he opposes the effort to replace Feinstein in the panel.
“I don’t think Republicans can or should help President Biden’s most controversial nominees,” said Texas Republican. “I support to have Sen. Feinstein comes as soon as he can. But this effort to confront and, in many cases, to a large extent not qualified nominated, I do not think I can expect any republican cooperation.”
This story has been updated with additional information.
