Senator Dianne Feinstein Dies At Age 90

(Image c/o Drew Angerer/Getty Images 2017) 

By Edith Cuevas 
News Reporter

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Senator Dianne Feinstein, representing California voters for over thirty years, has died at the age of 90. Feinstein has been the longest-serving female senator, first elected into office in 1992. 

According to a statement made by her chief of staff, James Sauls, she passed away on Thursday night at her home in Washington, D.C. hours after placing her final senate vote. 

Feinstein had a lengthy career in politics, and broke many glass ceilings throughout its entirety. 
Feinstein was a highly respected, trailblazer senator. “Dianne was a pioneering woman leader, who served as San Francisco's first female Mayor with unmatched courage, poise and grace,” said U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi. “Dianne’s extraordinary career will continue to inspire countless young women and girls to pursue public service for generations to come.”

“Senator Dianne Feinstein was a pioneering American. A true trailblazer. And for Jill and me, a cherished friend," said President Biden in a statement, “Serving in the Senate together for more than 15 years, I had a front row seat to what Dianne was able to accomplish.”

The most significant legislative accomplishment of Feinstein’s career was the manufacturing and sales ban of certain assault weapons. President Clinton signed this into law as part of a crime bill in 1994. (Blood and Jalonick, 2023) Gun violence had been a major focus issue for Feinstein, despite the relentless opposition by fellow republican senators. 

“We lost a giant in the Senate,” said Majority Leader Chuck Shumer. “As the nation mourns this tremendous loss, we know how many lives she impacted, and how many glass ceilings she shattered along the way,” Schumer said during the opening of the Senate floor on Friday. 

Governor Newsom has appointed Emily’s List President, Laphonza Butler, as Feinstein’s successor. “Laphonza will carry the baton left by Senator Feinstein, continue to break glass ceilings and fight for all Californians in Washington, D.C.” said Newsom. 


Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/01/us/newsom-senate-feinstein-laphonza-butler.html
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/09/29/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-the-passing-of-senator-dianne-feinstein/
https://apnews.com/article/dianne-feinstein-dead-c831f3228ac44faa9653234570bb8ce9
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/long-serving-us-democratic-senator-dianne-feinstein-dead-90-punchbowl-2023-09-29/
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/dianne-feinstein-rcna18010

Image Source: 
https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/feinstein-dead-obituary-17816907.php