Senator Dianne Feinstein Dies at 90
Senator Feinstein chairs a hearing of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control to discuss drug trafficking violence in Mexico and its implications for the United States on May 5, 2010 (Image courtesy of the US Senate Office of Dianne Feinstein).
The Senate mourns the loss of a true American hero.
Article by Julia O’Keefe, Senior Congressional Correspondent
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator of California Dianne Feinstein died at age 90 in her Washington, D.C. home on Friday morning.
President Biden described Feinstein as “a pioneering American”, “a true trailblazer”, and “a cherished friend”. Serving with Feinstein in the Senate for years, Biden witnessed first-hand Feinstein’s “skillful legislating and sheer force of will”.
A champion of liberal priorities for the state of California, Feinstein led political breakthroughs, often as the only woman in the room. According to Biden, “she had an immense impact on younger female leaders for whom she generously opened doors.” She cast her last vote in the Senate Thursday morning.
Feinstein’s death follows a battle with shingles that kept her out of the Senate for three months earlier this year. When she returned to the Senate in May, she did so in a wheelchair. Days later, it was revealed Feinstein was suffering from a more serious condition, Ramsay Hunt syndrome and encephalitis.
After nearly 30 years in the U.S. In The Senate, Feinstein died as the oldest member, the longest-serving woman in the Senate, and the longest-serving Senator from California. During her time in the political limelight, Feinstein fought for “sensible” gun laws, worked towards environmental conservation efforts, and fought for LGBTQ+ rights. She helped Biden reinstate the federal assault weapons ban after it expired in 2004, and helped develop the Amber Alert network to share news of missing children with the public.
“Dianne made her mark on everything from national security to the environment to protecting civil liberties,” Biden said. “She’s made history in so many ways, and our country will benefit from her legacy for generations.”
Feinstein’s courage gained national attention after an incident at San Francisco City Hall in the 1970s. While in the office serving on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, Feinstein heard gunshots from down the hall and found Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk shot and killed by a former colleague.
After announcing this tragic news to the public, Feinstein went on to replace Moscone as mayor, which she held for 10 years. After losing the race for California Governor in 1990, Feinstein won a Senate seat in 1992, and since then, she has contributed largely to our current political climate.
“Senator Feinstein never backed away from a fight for what was just and right,” chief of staff James Sauls said. “At the same time, she was always willing to work with anyone, even those she disagreed with.”
Following her passing, the Senate draped black drapes over Feinstein’s seat and placed white roses on her desk. The Senate mourns the loss of a leader who not only changed the state of the Senate, but of the entire nation.
“There are few women who can be called senator, chairman, mayor, wife, mom and grandmother,” Sauls said. “Senator Feinstein was a force of nature who made an incredible impact on our country and her home state. There is much to say about who she was and what she did, but for now, we are going to grieve the passing of our beloved boss, mentor, and friend.”