Sen. Dianne Feinstein Dies at 90

What's the story?

• Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the oldest member of Congress, died Thursday night at 90 years old. 
• In recent years, Feinstein has suffered ill health that prompted calls for her to step down, which she consistently declined. She had an extended absence from office this year and, after six terms, announced she would not run for reelection. 
• After a bout with shingles in May, Feinstein became notably frailer and used a wheelchair. 

Feinstein's record

• Feinstein spent almost 31 years in the Senate. She became the mayor of San Francisco in 1978 after Mayor George Moscone and City Supervisor Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official, were assassinated by a fellow politician. Feinstein guided the city through the traumatizing time and the AIDS crisis that followed. 
• During her time on Capitol Hill, she established many firsts for women, becoming the first to serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee in 1993, the first to chair the Senate Rules Committee in 2007, and the first to chair the Senate Intelligence Committee in 2009. 
• While California's progressives weren't always pleased with her viewpoints, Feinstein consistently pushed and passed legislation and has been praised for her work ethic. 
• Feinstein pushed for a federal ban on military-style assault weapons and advancements in civil rights throughout her career.
• U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Cali.) said in a statement:

"Dianne was a pioneering woman leader, who served San Francisco's first female Mayor with unmatched courage, poise and grace. Dianne's extraordinary career will come to inspire countless young women and girls to pursue public service for generations to come."

• Former President Barack Obama said:

"The best politicians get into public service because they care about this country and the people they represent. That was certainly true of Dianne Feinstein, and all of us are better for it."

• Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell paid tribute to the late senator, saying he and his wife "will also remember and cherish a friendship of 30 years [they] were fortunate to share with Dianne."
• Biden said in a statement:

"Often the only woman in the room, Dianne was a role model for so many Americans – a job she took seriously by mentoring countless public servants, many of whom now serve in my Administration. She had an immense impact on younger female leaders for whom she generously opened doors. Dianne was tough, sharp, always prepared, and never pulled a punch, but she was also a kind and loyal friend, and that's what Jill and I will miss the most."

• Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer asked for a moment of silence before saying to the floor:

"She had so many amazing wonderful qualities wrapped up in one incredible human being. She was smart. She was strong. She was brave. She was compassionate. But maybe the trait that stood out most of all was her amazing integrity. Her integrity was a diamond, her integrity shown like a beacon across the Senate, and across the country for all to see and hopefully emulate."

What will happen to her chair?

• California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom can now appoint a lawmaker to serve out the rest of Feinstein's term. Newsom is under immediate pressure as Democrats now have a narrow advantage in the Senate. 
• Newsom previously said he would appoint a Black woman should the vacancy arise. Many anticipated it would be Rep. Barbara Lee, a Democrat and black woman from Oakland, but the governor recently said he would not choose her.
• Currently, it is unclear who Newsom will choose. 

Do you support age limits for members of Congress?

-Jamie Epstein