California Sen. Dianne Feinstein is returning to Congress after nearly three months away, her spokesperson, Adam Russell, said.
Feinstein has been recovering from shingles. At 89 years old, she is the oldest member of the Senate.
Feinstein’s last Senate vote came on Feb. 16. She missed a total of 91 floor votes during her absence, according to an NBC News tally, and is expected to make her next one on Wednesday.
Feinstein’s absence made it difficult for Democrats to confirm some of President Joe Biden’s nominees. On the Judiciary Committee, a 11-10 advantage for Democrats became a 10-10 split with Republicans, halting attempts to confirm certain judges.
Democrats attempted to temporarily move Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., into Feinstein’s place on the Judiciary Committee, but Republicans kept that from taking shape. There were also calls for her to resign so California Gov. Gavin Newsom could name a Democratic replacement.
Feinstein said in a statement last month that her absence did not create a “slowdown.”
“I’m confident that when I return to the Senate, we will be able to move the remaining qualified nominees out of committee quickly and to the Senate floor for a vote,” she said.
Feinstein announced in February that she won’t run for reelection in 2024. Her current term ends in early 2025.
