California Senator Dianne Feinstein has reportedly entrusted power of attorney to her daughter, Katherine Feinstein. At the age of 90, Dianne Feinstein continues to serve, making her the oldest member of Congress. Despite her advanced age, she has recently faced calls to resign due to health complications that kept her away from Capitol Hill for an extended period earlier this year.
Upon her return to Washington, D.C., Feinstein's appearance has been described as frail, and she has experienced several public mental lapses. The decision to transfer power of attorney to her daughter, who is 66 years old, was partly made to help navigate legal battles related to the estate of her late husband, Richard Blum.
After serving California for more than three decades, Feinstein announced earlier this year that she would not seek re-election in 2024. Confidential sources within her longtime colleagues have leaked to the media, expressing concerns about her declining mental acuity.
During a recent Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Feinstein's capacity to fully participate was called into question when she needed repeated prompts from a colleague to cast her vote on the $831.781 billion Defense Appropriations Bill. In February, she faced health complications related to shingles, resulting in a brief hospitalization. Following her release, she returned to her San Francisco home, where she remained in recovery for two months.
Upon her return to Congress in May, Feinstein appeared confused when questioned by reporters about her extended absence. Contrary to public perception, she insisted that she had remained present in Congress and had not taken leave to recover from her illness.
Given her condition, Feinstein relies on her staff for assistance with mobility, voting guidance, and explanations regarding ongoing proceedings, as highlighted in a New York Times report earlier this year. The complexities surrounding Feinstein's personal affairs and health have sparked significant attention and speculation about her ability to continue serving in Congress effectively.