Squad member and US Representative Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) has called for California Senator Dianne Feinstein to resign, joining her Democratic colleagues. Feinstein, 89, has long been criticized not just for her age but her rapidly declining mental acumen.

Tlaib argued that Feinstein, who is also a Democrat, is simply no longer capable of doing her job.

Tlaib is one of the nine members of “The Squad,” a small group of young and progressive democratic Representatives which include Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Ayanna Presley (MA-07), Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), Cori Bush (MO-01), Greg Casar (TX-35), Summer Lee (PA-12), and Delia Ramirez (IL-03).

Feinstein, who has been in politics for over half a century and in the Senate for over 30 years, has faced a fair share of controversy over the years, largely due to her age and numerous health issues. Most recently, she was hospitalized for shingles, forcing her to work from home.

It is also well-known in political circles that she has suffered from acute short-term memory issues for several years. In 2020, she was forced out of the Judiciary Committee after her colleagues started to question her cognitive health.

Feinstein, however, to this day has refused to acknowledge her handicap.

Despite her latest hospitalization, in a statement earlier this month, Feinstein said, “I intend to return as soon as possible once my medical team advises that it’s safe for me to travel. In the meantime, I remain committed to the job and will continue to work from home in San Francisco.”

Her Time Has Come

Although Feinstein had announced in February that she would not be running for reelection in 2024, she intends to see her current term through the end.

Feinstein promised to “accomplish as much for California as I can through the end of next year,” adding that retirement right now is not an option. “There are times for all things under the sun, and I think that [the end of my term] will be the right time,” she said.

Tlaib, however, along with many other members of Congress, thinks that this is still too long for her to remain in office. She argues that Feinstein’s physical absence from the Senate floor is hurting the democratic agenda and only helps the GOP pass their policies.

Tlaib’s tweet from Friday read, “Because Sen. Feinstein was absent, Republicans are passing legislation through the Senate, undermining the right of our residents to breathe clean air. And with a far-right judiciary targeting our human rights, we are unable to confirm judges. Sen. Feinstein must step down."

Democratic Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17) also voiced similar concerns despite praising Feinstein, stating, “It’s time for [Feinstein] to resign.”

He added, “We need to put the country ahead of personal loyalty. While she has had a lifetime of public service, it is obvious she can no longer fulfill her duties. Not speaking out undermines our credibility as elected representatives of the people.”

Khanna also blamed the lack of progress in Congress due to Feinstein’s absence, voicing his concerns when the new rule on truck pollution failed to pass. 

Representative Dean Phillips (MN-03) agreed, responding with, “Senator Feinstein is a remarkable American whose contributions to our country are immeasurable. But I believe it’s now a dereliction of duty to remain in the Senate and a dereliction of duty for those who agree to remain quiet.”

Despite both Democrats and Republicans calling for Feinstein to quit, she still has plenty of supporters in the office. And some genuinely believe she is capable of making it to the finish line.

President Biden, for example, praised Feinstein for her work, saying, “I’ve served with more U.S. senators than just about anyone. I can honestly say that Dianne Feinstein is one of the very best. I look forward to continuing to work with her as she serves out her term.”