Tributes Pour In Following Death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein

Published: 9/29/2023, 1:07:24 PM EDT

Tributes Pour In Following Death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein — Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) looks on during a Senate Select Intelligence Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on July 12, 2023. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

Reactions from senators and other poured in on Sept. 29 following the death of longtime Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), who was 90 years old.

Ms. Feinstein passed away at her home in Washington on Sept. 28, said her chief of staff, James Sauls, in a statement. She was in the Senate since 1992 and previously served as the mayor of San Francisco and was the president of the city's board of supervisors. She was the longest-serving female senator in U.S. history and California's longest-serving senator.

On the Senate floor, where a vase of flowers was placed on a black cloth on the desk of where Ms. Feinstein sat, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said that Ms. Feinstein "was one of the most amazing people who ever graced the Senate, who ever graced the country.

"She had so many amazing, wonderful qualities wrapped up in one incredible human being. She was smart, she was strong, she was brave, she was compassionate. But maybe the trait that stood out most of us was her amazing integrity."

Also on the Senate floor, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) paid tribute to Ms. Feinstein, whom he called a friend, as "an incredibly effective person at every line—at every level, and she was all of those—at all of those levels on the way to the Senate."

President Joe Biden called Ms. Feinstein "a pioneering American," "a true trailblazer," and "a cherished friend."

"Often the only woman in the room, Dianne was a role model for so many Americans—a job she took seriously by mentoring countless public servants, many of whom now serve in my administration," he said.

"She had an immense impact on younger female leaders for whom she generously opened doors," he continued. "Dianne was tough, sharp, always prepared, and never pulled a punch, but she was also a kind and loyal friend, and that’s what Jill and I will miss the most."

Former Senator and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said at an event that Ms. Feinstein was not only a friend but also "a true trailblazer" who sought to find common ground and was "fearless" but "open."

Along with Mr. Schumer and Mr. McConnell, other senators paid their respects to Ms. Feinstein.

"I've said it before: you can’t tell the story of CA—or American politics—without the trailblazing career of Senator Dianne Feinstein. A champion, an icon, and most importantly, a friend––Dianne will be dearly missed. Angela and I are keeping the Feinstein family in our prayers," wrote Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) on X.

"Ann and I are heartbroken by the loss of Sen. Dianne Feinstein," wrote Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) on X. "Dianne’s more than 30 years in the Senate reflect a life of service to her state of California and our nation. We are praying for her family, staff and all who knew and loved her."

"Senator Dianne Feinstein’s legacy in the Senate is marked by determination, a love for California and a willingness to extend her hand across the aisle to reach a deal," wrote Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Ks.) on X. "Dianne's decades of service shouldn’t be defined by the end or the beginning of her career, but by a lifetime of service and fearless leadership in the face of difficulties and adversity."

"Dianne Feinstein lived a life of service, blazing a path for women in the Senate and girls across our nation," wrote Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) on X. "In the face of tragedy and tribulations throughout her career, she was fearless. Our prayers are with her loved ones."

Members of the House of Representatives also chimed in.

"Senator Feinstein broke barriers and blazed the trail for women," said House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). "Her career by any standard was historic."

"This is a sad day for California and the nation," wrote Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) on X. "Sen. Feinstein was a champion for our state, and served as the voice of a political revolution for women. My profound condolences go out to her family and loved ones."

"I’m saddened by the loss of Senator Dianne Feinstein," wrote Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) on X. "We regularly worked together on common ground to represent our constituents’ needs and wellbeing. From her early roots as the 1951 Rodeo Queen at Cow Palace, it’s not likely there will ever be another like her in CA politics."

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) will appoint Ms. Feinstein's successor. Meanwhile, the Democrats still control the Senate, but with a 50–49 majority. Mr. Newsome has said he would appoint a black woman. It will likely be California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, as Mr. Newsom has said he would appoint an interim successor and does not want to be seen as picking a favorite in the 2024 primary that includes Ms. Lee, who is also black.

From The Epoch Times