Dianne Feinstein denies absence despite health concerns.

California Senator Dianne Feinstein, who has been absent from Washington for months due to shingles, has faced questions about her health and fitness to serve. In a recent exchange with reporters, Feinstein appeared to insist that she had never left, despite her absence. Some fellow Democrats have called on her to resign, but Feinstein has said she wouldn't seek re-election in 2024. If she does decide to retire early, it would fall to California's governor to appoint a temporary replacement.