Dianne Feinstein is on her way back to Washington after being sidelined with shingles: report

• Sen. Dianne Feinstein is traveling back to Washington, DC.
• Feinstein had been away from the Capitol for several months after she contracted shingles.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein is on her way back to Washington, DC, after spending time away in California recovering from shingles, according to a report from the San Francisco Chronicle.

Feinstein, who's 89 years old, hasn't cast a vote in the Senate since her diagnosis in mid-February. She said she spent time in the hospital after contracting the infection.

While Feinstein's been away from Washington, DC, the Senate Judiciary Committee has been unable to confirm several of President Joe Biden's judicial nominees, leading a handful of Democratic members of the House to call for her resignation.

"Her refusal to either retire or show up is causing great harm to the judiciary - precisely where repro rights are getting stripped. That failure means now in this precious window Dems can only pass GOP- approved nominees," Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez posted to Bluesky.

"Senator Feinstein is a remarkable American whose contributions to our country are immeasurable," Rep. Dean Phillips tweeted. "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."

Feinstein ultimately asked Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to find a temporary replacement for her on the Judiciary Committee, but Schumer's attempts were rebuffed by Senate Republicans.

"Let's be clear," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said, "Senate Republicans will not take part in sidelining a temporarily absent colleague off a committee just so Democrats can force through their very worst nominees."

Due to her prolonged absence, and Schumer's inability to find a temporary replacement for her, the New York Times editorial board called on Schumer to pressure Feinstein to "return or resign."

"If she cannot fulfill her obligations to the Senate and to her constituents, she should resign and turn over her responsibilities to an appointed successor," the board wrote.

In February, Feinstein announced that she will not be running for office again in 2024, and will retire at the end of her term. If she chooses to step down before her term ends, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has the authority to appoint her successor.