Dianne Feinstein’s daughter now handles legal matters, but at 90 years old, she remains one of the most influential lawmakers in the country.

Dianne Feinstein's daughter now handles legal matters, but at 90 years old, she remains one of the most influential lawmakers in the country.

Dianne Feinstein Surrenders Authority to Daughter: The Power Play Continues

Image Source: Insider

Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein’s decision to grant power of attorney to her daughter, Katherine, has raised concerns about her continued role as one of the most powerful individuals in American politics. At 90 years old, Feinstein’s authority remains significant, despite recent incidents that have drawn attention to her age and possible cognitive decline.

The New York Times reported that Katherine Feinstein, a former San Francisco judge, now holds power of attorney over her mother’s legal affairs. Although the specific terms of the agreement are not disclosed, it is worth noting that a power of attorney does not necessarily indicate incapacitation. There could be various reasons for such an arrangement. Nonetheless, this news has fueled further apprehension about the senator’s state of mind.

During a recent Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Feinstein appeared confused during a roll call vote. Her office later clarified that she had been “preoccupied” and failed to realize the conclusion of the debate. In the days preceding this incident, she had also mistakenly voted in favor of a Republican-led amendment before correcting her stance. Notably, my colleague Bryan Metzger observed her asking an aide, “Where are we going?” as she was being wheeled towards the Senate floor.

In response to concerns about Feinstein’s capabilities, Democrats have taken measures to limit her power. Senator Patty Murray was named Senate president pro tempore, breaking with longstanding tradition. This position, third in line to the presidency, would typically be assumed by the longest-serving member of the majority party, which is Feinstein. Additionally, Feinstein stepped down from her role as the top Democrat on the influential Senate Judiciary Committee in 2020. This panel oversees judicial nominees, including those for the Supreme Court. The decision was made following criticism of her praise for Republicans’ handling of then-nominee Amy Coney Barrett.

• Tarek El Moussa is evicting longtime residents to flip an entire st...
• Amazon Fresh stores now installing self-checkout after years of pro...
• Texas influencer detained in Dubai for 3 months faces $10,000 deman...

Despite these actions, Feinstein still wields significant influence. She is one of nine Democrats and eight Republicans serving on the Intelligence Committee, responsible for overseeing the CIA, NSA, and other intelligence agencies. Only party leaders and the leading members of the Senate Armed Services Committee join in the committee’s activities. Due to the classified nature of their work, much of what they do remains unknown to the public. Feinstein once chaired the committee and conducted a groundbreaking review of the CIA’s use of torture during the war on terror.

Feinstein is also a member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee. These spots are highly coveted as they provide opportunities to direct federal spending towards a senator’s home state. She currently chairs the Energy and Water Development subcommittee, overseeing a main spending bill of over $58 billion. This bill covers the management of the nation’s nuclear weapon stockpile, funding of the Army Corps of Engineers, and support for securing the country’s energy grid.

In February, Feinstein announced that she would not seek reelection next year. However, she remains resolute in her refusal to resign before the end of her current term. This situation has brought attention to the issue of age limits for members of Congress. While there is growing concern about the influence of an aging political elite, even younger lawmakers are skeptical about introducing mandatory retirement requirements.

Feinstein’s power play, granted through the power of attorney arrangement with her daughter, highlights the complex dynamics of politics and aging. As the nation ponders the future of its leaders, questions inevitably arise about how to ensure that power is wielded by those who are capable and mentally sharp. The delicate balance between respecting experience and fostering a system that provides fresh perspectives is a challenge that must be navigated carefully.

• Dianne Feinstein
• Senate
• Senate Democrats