Calls Grow For Feinstein To Resign As Top Democrat On Judiciary Committee After Barrett Hearings

Topline

Calls are growing among many on the political left for Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) to relinquish her position as the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, arguing she did little to slow down the historically fast-paced Supreme Court confirmation process for Judge Amy Coney Barrett, despite Democrats insisting that the process was being rushed.

Key Facts

Crucial Quote

“Americans—whose lives hang in the balance—deserve leadership that underscores how unprecedented, shameful and wrong this process is,” NARAL President Ilyse Hogue said in a statement. “The Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Dianne Feinstein, failed to make this clear and in fact offered an appearance of credibility to the proceedings that is wildly out of step with the American people. As such, we believe the committee needs new leadership.”

Key Background

Democrats have expressed outrage over Barrett’s fast-paced nomination process, which wrapped up Thursday after four days of hearings, believing the hearings should have waited until after the election. There is also major concern among Democrats about whether Barrett’s confirmation would shift the balance of the Supreme Court enough to the right to overturn Roe v. Wade and significantly limit abortion access in the United States. The Judiciary Committee will hold a vote on Barrett’s confirmation on Oct. 22 at 1 p.m. Eastern time.

What To Watch For

A San Francisco committee has advised renaming an elementary school named after Feinstein because she allegedly replaced a vandalized Confederate flag during her time as mayor in 1984. The committee’s recommendations, which includes changing the names of schools named after Franklin D. Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, has come under sharp criticism.

Further Reading

With a hug, Feinstein draws liberal critics at court hearing (The Associated Press)

Senator Dianne Feinstein’s Hug Has Sparked Outrage On Twitter (Forbes)

Lindsey Graham Praises Amy Coney Barrett For Being ‘Unashamedly Pro-Life’ (Forbes)

No Lincoln, FDR Or Dianne Feinstein? San Francisco Committee Recommends Removing Names From Schools—And Faces Heavy Backlash (Forbes)