(LibertySons.org) – Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), the longest-serving female Senator in US history, just passed away, leaving open a seat she had planned to hold until the end of her term in 2025. The California senator began her service as a state lawmaker in 1992, according to her bio, and she went on to achieve much for the people in her state during her 31 years in office. She was 90 years old when she died at her Washington, DC, home.
Lengthy Career
CNBC reports that before she found her home in the Senate, Feinstein made two attempts at running for mayor, both of which failed, then history in 1978 as the first female president of San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors. Feinstein’s long career was marked by her numerous efforts, and she had a reputation for working on goals that benefitted not just California’s Democrats. Her bipartisan approach and independent spirit gained her a strong reputation among her peers and constituents alike. She was among the lawmakers who helped initiate the AMBER Alert Network, and she wrote bills to review personal care products and children’s toys to protect both from harmful chemicals. She also worked to strengthen food and pharmacy safety, wrote legislation to improve cybersecurity, and passed legislation that made border drug tunnels illegal.
As the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee between 2017 and 2021, Feinstein helped to create policy on criminal law, immigration, civil rights, national security, and the country’s courts. She was the first woman ever to take on the role. She was also the first female to serve as chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, a position that she held from 2009 until she died.
Final Days
Feinstein’s health had been a concern for some time. A bout with shingles in February sent her to the hospital with serious neurological complications that included facial paralysis, vision problems, and trouble balancing. The condition left her with encephalitis, a rare issue that sometimes occurs after shingles have cleared and causes swelling in the brain. It can cause memory impairment, mood issues, confusion, headaches, and trouble walking.
The 90-year-old California senator returned to the hospital in August after she suffered from a fall at her home. The incident added further speculations from both sides of the fence that she was no longer healthy enough to fulfill her duties in Congress. Feinstein passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2023.
California Gov. Gavin must now appoint a temporary fill-in for her position in the Senate. Reps. Adam Schiff, Barbara Lee, and Katie Porter are all possible choices.
~Here’s to Our Liberty!
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