Feinstein addresses absence and judicial nominees in statement.

Senator Dianne Feinstein defended her absence from the Judiciary Committee, stating that there has been "no slowdown" of President Joe Biden's judicial nominees. Feinstein has been recovering from shingles and has not cast a vote in the Senate since February. Her spokesperson stated that a return date to Washington has not been set and is contingent on her medical team clearing her to fly. Despite calls for her resignation, Feinstein has signaled her intention to remain in office until the end of her term in 2025.