A confused Dianne Feinstein tried to give a speech in the middle of a Senate hearing vote and was told to 'just say aye' instead
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"Just say aye," Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Patty Murray repeatedly pleaded to Feinstein during the vote. Eventually, Feinstein did just that.

“Just say aye,” Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Patty Murray repeatedly pleaded to Feinstein during the vote. Eventually, Feinstein did just that.

Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein on Thursday appeared confused and attempted to deliver a longer speech during a Senate hearing, the latest in a string of episodes that have raised further questions about her ability to continue serving in office.

“Just say aye,” Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Patty Murray repeatedly pleaded with her colleague.

Instead of a short reply, Feinstein began her response by saying, “I would like to support a yes vote on this, it provides $823 billion …” As the California Democrat continued to speak, an aide also intervened to try to remind the lawmaker that this was not the time for speeches.

“OK,” Feinstein then said as Murray reminded her one final time to “just say aye.” “Aye,” she finally said.

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  • 1chemistdown@kbin.social
    2·
    11 months ago

    The senate ranks based off seniority. The longer you’ve been a senator, the more power you yield. Senior senators get first choice of committee assignment. The longer you’re on a committee, the more senior you are on that committee. So, very old person has been a powerhouse for a long time and gets to choose their committees. The more senior, the more powerful committee you can join; the longer on the power committees, the more power you yield on that committee. THE SENATE IS SET UP TO GIVE MORE POWER TO OLD PEOPLE.

    She wasn’t put anywhere, she chose those spots; and there isn’t a damn person who can do anything about it as long as she is re-elected. Retire or death is the only way she leaves those committees. I know how this will end. As long as she gets re-elected. It’s that simple.

    • Backspacecentury@kbin.social
      1·
      11 months ago

      Oh wow, thanks for the explanation. It’s worse than I thought.

      I suppose I thought there might have been some checks and balances to prevent someone with dementia from continuing to clutch onto power, guess not.