Senator Dianne Feinstein, a renowned figure in the United States Senate for over three decades, has passed away at the age of 90. According to Senate records, Feinstein cast her final vote on Thursday morning before her death at her home in Washington, D.C., later that evening. Her chief of staff, James Sauls, released a statement praising Feinstein’s unwavering commitment to justice and her willingness to collaborate with those she disagreed with for the betterment of Californians and the nation.
Feinstein held several influential positions during her tenure in the Senate. She became the first woman to chair both the Senate Rules and Administration Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, which she led for six years. From 2017 to 2021, she served as the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, making her the first woman in history to hold that role. Feinstein dedicated herself to causes such as enacting sensible gun laws, safeguarding the environment, improving water infrastructure, and championing LGBTQ+ rights and the legalization of same-sex marriage. In 1994, she authored and helped pass the federal assault weapons ban, and she was a vocal advocate for its reinstatement.
Feinstein’s accomplishments also extended beyond legislation. She played a key role in establishing the Amber Alert network, a nationwide system to alert the public about missing children. Additionally, in 2014, as chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, she released an extensive report on the CIA’s interrogation methods following the 9/11 attacks. The report exposed the brutality and inaccuracies of the program, and Feinstein hoped that its publication would prevent the repetition of such practices in the future.
Born on June 22, 1933, in San Francisco, Feinstein led a remarkable life of public service. She served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in the 1970s and rose to prominence in 1978 when she succeeded George Moscone as the city’s mayor after his assassination. Feinstein held the position of mayor for ten years before entering the Senate in 1992 during the historic “Year of the Woman” in Congress, where a record number of female candidates were elected.
In recent years, Feinstein’s health issues, including a prolonged absence due to shingles and complications related to the virus, raised concerns about her ability to continue serving. In early 2023, she announced that she would not seek another term, triggering speculation about her successor. Under California law, Governor Gavin Newsom has the authority to appoint a replacement until the 2024 election. Several prominent Democrats, including Rep. Katie Porter, Rep. Adam Schiff, and Rep. Barbara Lee, have already announced their intention to run for Feinstein’s seat.
Tributes poured in for Feinstein following her passing. President Joe Biden ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in her honor, and the Senate draped her seat in black crepe while placing white roses on her desk. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer delivered a heartfelt tribute, highlighting Feinstein’s remarkable qualities, integrity, and enduring commitment to fighting for others. Schumer emphasized the senator’s significant impact on the Senate and the nation as a whole and mourned the loss of a hero and a friend.
