U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein from California, Prominent Advocate for Progressive Causes, Passes Away at 90

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Dianne Feinstein, the long-serving U.S. Senator from California and a moderate Democrat known for advancing liberal issues, has passed away at the age of 90. Elected to the Senate in 1992, Feinstein had a distinguished career that broke numerous gender barriers in both local and federal politics.

Her demise occurred at her Washington, D.C. residence on Thursday evening, according to an official statement from her office released on Friday. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, while inaugurating the Senate session, commemorated her as a “colossal figure in the Senate.”

Schumer, emotionally moved, stated, “Dianne Feinstein was an extraordinary individual whose contributions to the Senate and the country were unparalleled. Her pioneering efforts shattered many glass ceilings, profoundly affecting countless lives.”

President Joe Biden, a former Senate colleague of Feinstein’s, labeled her as a “groundbreaking American,” a “beloved friend,” and a “genuine trailblazer.”

The task of appointing an interim successor now falls to California Governor Gavin Newsom, and a vigorous contest for the Senate seat is anticipated.

While she was the oldest active U.S. Senator, Feinstein was a dedicated proponent for causes vital to her constituents, such as environmental conservation, reproductive freedom, and firearm regulation. She was also known for her pragmatic legislative approach and willingness to collaborate with Republicans.

Her passing follows an extended period of absence earlier this year due to shingles, leading to calls for her temporary replacement on the Senate Judiciary Committee. She returned to the Senate frail and less active, confined to a wheelchair and voting sparingly.

On Friday, her Senate workspace was adorned in black cloth and a vase of white roses. Senators of both parties paid emotional tributes, with California’s House delegation and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi standing in attendance, joined by Feinstein’s daughter, Katherine.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell lauded the late Senator, referring to her as a friend and trailblazer whose advocacy had lasting impact on both California and the nation as a whole.

President Biden released a statement extolling her comprehensive influence on diverse matters, from national security to civil liberties, stating that her legacy would be felt for generations to come.

Feinstein’s political journey began in 1969 when she was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. She rose to prominence as the city’s first female mayor following the assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk. In the Senate, Feinstein was one of California’s first two female senators and the first woman to chair the Senate Intelligence Committee as well as the Senate Judiciary Committee’s leading Democrat.

Although not universally endorsed by feminist groups, Feinstein was deeply influenced by her own experience as a woman in politics.

She reflected on this in a 2005 interview, stating, “I am deeply committed to defending women’s rights and also to working on pragmatic solutions through legislation and bipartisan outreach.”

Towards the end of her Senate tenure, Feinstein faced challenges as political and public sentiment polarized. Her health visibly deteriorated, causing her to become occasionally disoriented during public speeches. She announced her decision not to seek a sixth term in February 2023, soon after which she was sidelined for an extended period due to shingles.

One of her most significant legislative achievements was the passage of her amendment to ban certain types of assault weapons, part of a broader crime bill signed by President Bill Clinton in 1994. Despite the expiration of the ban a decade later, it remained a highlight in a career deeply affected by experiences with gun violence.

Feinstein never hesitated to confront opposition to her gun control efforts, once retorting to Senator Larry Craig in 1993, “Senator, I am intimately familiar with the deadly power of firearms.”

Feinstein leaves behind a rich legacy that ranges from her mayoral stint during a tumultuous time in San Francisco to her influence in federal politics. Her third husband, investment banker Richard Blum, predeceased her in February 2022. She is survived by her daughter Katherine, a granddaughter named Eileen, and three stepchildren.

The report is contributed by correspondents based in Los Angeles, with additional insights from Big Big News writers Lisa Mascaro and Michael Balsamo.

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