Feinstein's Return to Capitol Sparks Controversy and Progress on Judicial Nominees.

Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) returned to the Senate Judiciary Committee after a months-long absence due to shingles, casting her tiebreaking vote for three of President Biden’s stalled judges. Her absence had led some progressives to call for her resignation, but her return was celebrated by Democrats ahead of a crucial debt ceiling vote. It remains unclear what her presence will mean for the Judiciary Committee’s agenda, as Chair Richard J. Durbin faces pressure from progressives to investigate alleged ethical lapses by Justice Clarence Thomas.