Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) seemed confused during a Senate roll call vote on Capitol Hill on Thursday, prompting colleagues to intervene to correct her. Rather than casting her vote, Feinstein began to read off a prepared speech until an aide and a fellow senator reminded her to “just say ‘aye.’”
The vote by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee regarding the Defense Appropriations Bill was intended to be a simple “aye” or “nay” vote, with each Senator giving their answer as their name was called. When they called Feinstein, who was first on the list, she seemed to freeze up for a moment, at which point Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-WA) prompted her to say “aye.” Instead, Feinstein launched into a speech in defense of the bill.
“I would like to support a ‘yes’ vote on this,” she began. “It provides 823 billion, that’s an increase of 26 billion for the Department of Defense and it funds priorities submitted…” At this point, she was interrupted by a staffer.
“Just say ‘aye,’” Murray said again. After another moment of apparent confusion, Feinstein chuckled and cast her vote.
Asked to vote on the defense appropriations bill, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) begins giving a speech: “I would like to support a ‘yes’ vote on this. It provides …”
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA): “Just say aye.” pic.twitter.com/Gw2eZ9rEMv
— The Recount (@therecount) July 27, 2023
Following the incident, a spokesman for Feinstein’s office chalked the misunderstanding up to the Committee’s “chaotic” morning. “The senator was preoccupied, didn’t realize debate had just ended and a vote was called. She started to give a statement, was informed it was a vote and then cast her vote,” said the statement to Fox News.
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However, despite this explanation, Feinstein’s apparent confusion raised further concerns about her overall health and mental fitness. At 90 years old, Feinstein is the oldest member of the Senate. Following a months-long absence due to a bout with shingles, questions began to circulate about whether the California Senator should resign. Feinstein already announced that she would not seek re-election in 2024, but some of her fellow Democrats have called on her to step down even sooner.
This incident also contributed to growing nationwide concerns about the average age of leading politicians. For example, President Joe Biden’s frequent gaffes and verbal missteps caused critics to question his mental acuity ahead of the 2024 election. Additionally, on Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell publicly froze up during a press conference, requiring an aide to briefly escort him from the podium. McConnell suffered a concussion from a fall earlier this year, potentially contributing to his temporary lightheadedness on Tuesday.
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