Dianne Feinstein Returns to D.C. As She Recovers From Shingles

Dianne Feinstein released a new statement about her health on Wednesday, announcing that she would return to Washington, D.C., as she recovers from a monthslong case of shingles.

“I have returned to Washington and am prepared to resume my duties in the Senate. I’m grateful for all the well-wishes over the past couple of months and for the excellent care that I received from my medical team in San Francisco,” the California senator said in a statement.

“Even though I’ve made significant progress and was able to return to Washington, I’m still experiencing some side effects from the shingles virus. My doctors have advised me to work a lighter schedule as I return to the Senate. I’m hopeful those issues will subside as I continue to recover,” Feinstein’s statement continued.

Feinstein revealed her diagnosis of shingles last March, since which time she has held on to her Senate seat despite a prolonged absence from the upper chamber of the American legislature. At 89-years-old, Feinstein has been an exemplar of fortitude and perseverance as she continues to work in politics despite the slow deterioration of her body and mind.

However, not all are pleased with this elderly Jewess and her insistence on retaining her position in the Senate despite her ailments. Particularly, Feinstein has faced criticism from members of her own party, who increasingly lament how Feinstein and her prolonged absences are causing problems for congressional Democrats as they attempt to fill the lower courts with progressive appointees.

Currently, there are 12 Democratic nominees awaiting votes to confirm their appointments. Though the Democratic Party holds the Senate, these votes have been delayed by Feinstein’s prolonged absence, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has expressed no interest in aiding the appointment of these Democratic judicial nominees.

Rumors have also circulated about Feinstein’s mental capacity and fitness for her job. As early as 2020, The New Yorker reported on Feinstein’s alleged senility, claiming that for several years she had shown severe problems with short-term memory and comprehension. Since then, several other progressive-leaning outlets have published embarrassing revelations about the aging politician’s mental faculties. Articles questioning Feinstein’s capacity to serve as a senator have run in NPR, The New York Times and Vanity Fair among others.