GOP thwarts Democratic push to replace Feinstein on Judiciary panel.

Senate Republicans have blocked a request from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to temporarily replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein on the Judiciary Committee, which processes judicial nominees, as the California Democrat remains absent, recovering from shingles. Democrats could still force a vote to replace Feinstein, but that would require the support of 10 Republicans and it’s unlikely they would use a lot of valuable floor time for something with little chance of success. If Democrats are unable to replace Feinstein or if she does not return to Washington soon, they could see key agenda items thwarted – both on the committee and on the Senate floor.