The Democratic Senate majority is in jeopardy as Dianne Feinstein, 89, is hospitalized

California Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein (pictured) was hospitalized with shingles in recent days and is now receiving treatment in her hometown of San Francisco, her office announced Thursday. Feinstein missed a key vote on Wednesday when the Senate voted 50 to 46 to block a Biden administration rule that allows pension fund managers to consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in investment decisions. She also missed a few Senate Judiciary Committee hearings.

“I was diagnosed with shingles during February recess. I have been hospitalized and treated in San Francisco and expect to make a full recovery. I hope to return to the Senate later this month,” she said through her spokesperson, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. The news of Feinstein’s hospitalization comes weeks after it was announced she would end her long and sweeping political career. There was some confusion initially when Feinstein told reporters she was unaware that her staff had sent a statement making the announcement.

She had moved away from her crucial role as chairman of the judiciary committee after multiple reports that she had trouble remembering details about personnel and legislation. Some Democrats also complained about her handling of now-Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation hearing. Shingles is a virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox — that can lead to a painful, blistered rash. It is not considered life-threatening, but is usually very painful. She was first elected in 1992 (pictured) and is now the oldest serving female senator.

Democratic Senator John Fetterman (pictured) of Pennsylvania also missed votes this week as he continues treatment for clinical depression at Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Their absence highlighted the fragility of the Democrats’ narrow 51-49 Senate majority (including three independents who meet with the party). Pictured: Mayor of San Francisco Dianne Feinstein is shown in her office, December 11, 1978.

Though she relinquished her chairmanship of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Democrats only have an 11-10 majority on that panel, where the minority can delay nominations if membership is evenly split. Pictured: Feinstein at San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco, California, September 28, 1971.

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