How Does Sen. Feinstein's Death Affect the Senate?

Sen. Diane Feinstein (CA) has died at 90. Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1992, she became the longest-serving female Senator, even amid health issues in later years. President Biden lauded his Democrat colleague’s legacy after hearing the news.

Sen. Feinstein appeared for a Senate vote as recently as Wednesday.

A primary race has been ongoing to replace Sen. Feinstein since she wasn’t running for reelection. Notable figures such as Adam Schiff (CA-28) and Rep. Katie Porter (CA-47) are in the race.

California Governor Gavin Newsom will select someone to fill Sen. Feinstein’s role until the next election. He could choose a replacement from the primary race or maybe even someone from Feinstein’s staff.

This news comes while the U.S. federal government prepares for a likely shutdown over the weekend after failing to pass a spending bill to fund government employees. Part of the impasse involves House conservatives who are lobbying for spending cuts that likely won’t pass a Democrat-controlled Senate.

In the meantime, Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy is under fire, and even some Republican House Members are calling for McCarthy to be replaced. Will McCarthy end up making a deal with the Democrat Senate to keep the government open?

So what happens if the government shuts down? Federal government employees (including U.S. military members) won’t receive paychecks until the government reopens. (They will receive back pay after a resolution is reached.) Government employees whose jobs aren’t essential will be sent home on furlough.

These shutdowns generally hurt the party that’s in charge, and it’s a bad look for America. How do other countries view us when we can’t keep our government offices open? Congress needs to do its job and get a deal reached.

Compound this government shutdown with the Biden impeachment inquiry hearing yesterday and the incessant legal attacks on Donald Trump, and the country is struggling. America must operate from a position of strength, which it isn’t doing right now. What kind of message is being sent to the American people and to the world?

Today’s Sekulow broadcast fully analyzed the passing of Sen. Feinstein and how the Democrats will look to fill her seat, as well as the looming government shutdown. Will a deal get reached before Sunday?

Watch the full broadcast below: