In Washington, Following the passing of California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, condolences are pouring in from Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle, House members, and high-ranking government officials who praise the senator’s groundbreaking career. Feinstein was the longest-serving female senator in history.
Feinstein, 90, passed away at her home in Washington, D.C., following a string of health issues that caused her to miss approximately three months of Senate business earlier this year. On Thursday morning, she delivered her last vote in the Senate.
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Following her passing, the following prominent tributes were published:
President Biden
Senator Dianne Feinstein was an American trailblazer. A true pioneer, according to President Biden’s comments.
The president recalled working with Feinstein in the Senate, where they both served on the Judiciary Committee, which was presided over by Mr. Biden, and claimed to have had a “front row seat” to her successes there.
“Dianne left her mark on a variety of issues, including civil liberties, the environment, and national security. She has changed history in countless ways, and generations to come will profit from her legacy, according to Mr. Biden.
“Dianne was a role model for so many Americans, often the only woman in the room. She took this responsibility seriously by mentoring a great number of public employees, many of whom are currently working in my Administration. She kindly opened doors for younger female leaders, who had a significant impact, the president remarked. “Jill and I will miss Dianne most for being a kind and loyal friend,” said Jill. “She was tough, sharp, always prepared, and never pulled any punches.”
Vice President Kamala Harris
As both the district attorney of San Francisco and a senator for California, Harris referred to Feinstein as “one of the greatest public servants that California and our nation have ever known.”
Harris added, “She was not only a leader for our state, but for our country and our globe, in the tradition of so many great senators from California. Senator Feinstein “worked across the aisle for the duration of her long career to help our country fulfill its promise.”
The vice president claimed that she and Feinstein collaborated well on the Senate Intelligence Committee and that they had the same views regarding “the importance of strong American leadership.”
Harris remarked, “I personally witnessed how she bravely toiled to ensure that our leadership was governed by our nation’s values.”
The Democratic leader observed a minute of silence for Feinstein as the Senate met on Friday morning. As is customary in the Senate when a senator passes away, her desk was covered in a black cloak and a vase of white roses.
In remarks on the Senate floor, Schumer remarked that Feinstein was “one of the most amazing people whoever graced the Senate, whoever graced the country.” “She was a beautiful human being with so many wonderful and amazing attributes. She possessed intelligence, strength, bravery, and compassion. However, her incredible integrity struck out as perhaps the most notable quality.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell
Republican leader Mitch McConnell claimed that Feinstein’s tireless efforts had made both California and the country “better.”
In remarks made on the Senate floor, he remarked, “She was an incredibly effective person at every line and at every level, and she was at all of those levels on the way to the Senate.”
Feinstein’s Democratic and Republican colleagues spoke after Schumer and McConnell to honor the senator. On the Senate floor, they were joined by representatives from California.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy
Speaking at the Capitol, the House speaker, a fellow Californian, praised Feinstein for her long list of accomplishments and advocacy for their state.
“As the senator from California with the longest tenure, Sen. Feinstein broke down barriers and paved the way for women. By every measure, her career was historic, McCarthy said. I collaborated with the senator for a significant amount of time, personally speaking.
McCarthy recalled working with the senator on a water bill in 2016 and said, “We come from different parties, we have different philosophies, but we put our state first.”
As San Francisco’s first female mayor, Feinstein, the speaker claimed, “inspired women from both sides of the aisle to seek elected office, and to have their voices heard.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Pelosi, the current representative for San Francisco and former House speaker, referred to Feinstein as a “pillar of public service.” She presided over a moment of quiet for their fellow Californian, which was led by members of the state’s congressional delegation.
“Her indomitable, indefatigable leadership made a magnificent difference for our national security and personal safety, the health of our people and our planet, and the strength of our Democracy,” said Pelosi in a statement.
Feinstein made history when she became the first female mayor of San Francisco and the first woman to chair the Senate Intelligence Committee, as recognized by Pelosi.
“Dianne’s extraordinary career will continue to inspire countless young women and girls to pursue public service for generations to come,” the speaker remarked.
Sen. Chuck Grassley
Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, a Republican, referred to Feinstein as “a true public servant” and praised their “wonderful working relationship” during the time he presided over the Judiciary Committee and she served as its top Democrat and ranking member.
On X, formerly Twitter, he said that Feinstein “did an outstanding job representing” Californians.
Former President Barack Obama
As a “trusted partner” in his fight to enact the Affordable Care Act after taking office, Obama, who worked with Feinstein in the Senate, recalled the California Democrat as a “fierce” campaigner for civil rights and gun safety laws.
Obama stated in a statement that “the best politicians enter public service because they care about this country and the people they represent.” “We are all better off for it,” said Dianne Feinstein, “that was definitely true of her.”
Hillary Clinton
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed her sadness at Dianne Feinstein’s passing on social media. She paved the way for women in politics and discovered her calling as a public servant. I express my sympathies to everyone who loved her and will miss her dearly as a friend and coworker.
Feinstein and Clinton worked together in the Senate for eight years prior to Clinton’s appointment as secretary of state.
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