Dianne (D) Feinstein, a California Democrat, appeared confused on Thursday during a routine Senate Committee meeting when she started to read her prepared remarks instead of saying, “Aye”, during roll call.
Feinstein was the oldest senator (at 90 years old) as the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee took its vote on the Defense Appropriations Bill.
The California senator, who has been in office for decades, appeared to freeze when it came to her turn to vote.
“Just say, ‘Aye,'” Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., told Feinstein.
“Pardon me,” Feinstein responded.
“Aye,” Murray reiterated.
Feinstein began making remarks in favor of the bill instead of voting. It was intended to take place later, once the roll call had finished.
Feinstein stated, “I support a yes vote.” “It funds 823 billion dollars – a $26 billion boost for the Department of Defense, and it funds submitted priority –”
A staffer appears to have cut off Feinstein by telling her that the committee has not yet finished calling the roll.
“Just say, ‘Aye,'” Murray told Feinstein once more.
“Okay, just…” Feinstein said as she appeared to remain confused about what was taking place at the time.
Feinstein laughed and then said: “Aye. “
In a press statement, Feinstein’s spokesperson stated that the meeting had been “chaotic”.
This morning’s committee markup was chaotic as they tried to finish the entire appropriations bill prior to recess. As they moved from one vote to another, the senator was not aware that the debate had ended and she was voting. She then cast her vote. ”
Feinstein was the first senator elected to represent Golden State in 1992. She announced in February that she would not be running for re-election to the Senate in 2024.
She stated, “I ran an election in 2018 to tackle several issues, both for California and the nation: combating wildfires and preventing them; mitigating the effects of a record-breaking drought; responding to the homeless crisis; and ensuring all Americans had affordable and high-quality health care. “Congress passed legislation on these issues in the last few years, but more needs to be done — and I will continue my efforts. ”
On March 2, Feinstein said that she had been hospitalized with shingles in San Francisco, but she hoped to return to the Senate by the end of the month.
After being away from work for almost three months because of a diagnosis, Feinstein returned to work on May 11 after being away.
With the help of her staff, Feinstein was wheeled into the Capitol while Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D.Y.), walked alongside her. The Democrats now have a 51-50 majority.
Feinstein’s incident occurred on Thursday, just one day after Mitch McConnell (81) – Senate Minority Leader – appeared to freeze at a press conference held with other Republican leaders following the weekly luncheon on Wednesday.
