Democratic and Republican heavyweights are continuing to celebrate Sen. Dianne Feinstein as a “trailblazer.”
Top News Today :
Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, who served in the US Senate since 1992, passed away late last week at her home in Washington, DC. News of her passing spurred immediate and heartfelt tributes from both sides of the aisle.
From the office of Senator Dianne Feinstein: pic.twitter.com/rvcAmVk8O0
— Senator Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) September 29, 2023
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York choked up while calling for a moment of silence on Friday morning on the Senate floor (a separate moment of silence was later held on the House floor).
“Sen. Dianne Feinstein was one of the most amazing people who ever graced the Senate, who ever graced the country,” Schumer said. “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.”
Schumer commended Ms. Feinstein for leading the passage and signing of the 1994 assault weapons ban, championing the Violence Against Women Act, directing the oversight of US torture techniques, and fighting for marriage equality.
“She gave a voice, a platform, and a leader to women throughout the country for decades. Dianne didn’t just push down doors that were closed for women, she held them open for generations of women after her, to follow her,” Schumer continued. “Today, there are 25 women serving in this chamber and every one of them will admit they stand on Dianne’s shoulders.”
With his voice trembling, Schumer turned to Ms. Feinstein’s desk (which was draped in a black cloth and adorned with a vase of white roses on top) and said, “Today, we grieve. We look at that desk and we know what we’ve lost.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is also from San Francisco, choked up when asked by reporters to share her thoughts on the passing of Sen. Dianne Feinstein.
“It’s very sad for all of us … may she rest in peace,” Pelosi said through tears.
Former Democratic Rep. Jane Harman of California, who served in the House not long after Feinstein came to the Senate in late 1992, said she was probably the last person to see Ms. Feinstein alive after visiting her on Thursday evening.
“It’s a huge, huge loss. And I was a lucky one. I saw her at 5pm yesterday, at her home. We had a one-hour private meeting. I came by to say hi…I got the hug and the kiss,” Harman told MSNBC on Friday morning. “I loved her dearly. One of my dearest friends ever. And I’m just shocked by the news. Just shocked.”
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said he and his wife had been friends with Ms. Feinstein and her husband for 3 decades. “She was an incredibly effective person at every level. Dianne was a trailblazer and her beloved home state of California, and our entire nation are better for her dogged advocacy and diligent service.”
Former President Barack Obama said in a statement, “I first got to know Dianne in the Senate, where she was a fierce advocate for gun safety measures and civil rights. Later, when I was president, I came to rely on her as a trusted partner in the fight to guarantee affordable healthcare and economic opportunity for everyone.”
Mr. Obama added, “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.”
Vice President Kamala Harris, who served alongside Ms. Feinstein as the junior senator from California, called the late senator “one of the greatest public servants that California and our nation has ever known.”
“In the tradition of so many great Senators from California, she was not only a leader for our state, but for our nation and our world,” the vice president said. “Through her long career, Senator Feinstein worked across the aisle to help our nation live up to its promise.”
President Joe Biden, who also served alongside Ms. Feinstein in the Senate, said in a statement released by the White House, “Senator Dianne Feinstein was a pioneering American. A true trailblazer. And for Jill and me, a cherished friend.”
“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.” Mr. Biden then ordered the lowering of flags.
Throughout 2023, political observers whispered their beliefs that perhaps Ms. Feinstein was too old to remain in the Senate. She frequently exhibited severe cognitive decline and often had to be prompted on what to say or how to vote. Hopefully now, after a lifetime of public service, she is at peace.
On Sunday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that in keeping with a previous promise to appoint a Black woman, he has already selected Laphonza Butler — the former president of EMILY’s List — to temporarily fill the open US Senate seat. California voters will have an opportunity to make a more permanent choice during the November 2024 election.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein was 90.
OK WASSUP! discusses the Top News Today:
Sen. Dianne Feinstein is celebrated in death.
You know she had to have been *Special* when, even in today’s polarized political environment, leaders and former leaders, of both parties, speak so Highly of her!
She is deserving of Every tribute and bit of praise she receives!
May she Rest in Peace.