An Update From Senator Dianne Feinstein
March 9, 2017
KEY VOTES
Nomination of Rick Perry, Energy Secretary (March 2, 2017)
Voted NO
“Due to his lack of knowledge on nuclear issues, combined with his skepticism of the established science concerning climate change, I oppose Governor Perry’s confirmation.” To read the press release, CLICK HERE
Nomination of Ben Carson, HUD Secretary (March 1, 2017)
Voted NO
“California is home to 20 percent of our nation’s homeless population—more than 115,000 people. Our state is struggling to reduce homelessness among individuals and families, and the shortage of affordable housing has reached crisis levels. The federal government plays an important role in addressing these challenges, and I don’t believe Dr. Ben Carson has the knowledge or skills to tackle them as HUD Secretary.” To read the press release, CLICK HERE
KEY OVERSIGHT ACTIONS
Feinstein Leads Call for IG Investigation of Sessions (March 3, 2017)
“As part of this investigation, we ask that you consider whether and when the Attorney General consulted with ethics officials or others regarding his involvement in these investigations, his contacts with Russian officials, and his testimony before our Committee during the confirmation process. We also ask that you examine communications between Attorney General Sessions and the White House regarding recusal or the pending investigations, and the extent to which the Attorney General was involved in these investigations prior to his recusal. Please recommend appropriate action to address any problems that you discover.” To read the press release, CLICK HERE
Feinstein: More Information Needed for Gorsuch Nomination (February 28, 2017)
Senator Feinstein, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, wrote four letters—two with the Republican chairman of the committee and two solo—calling for additional documents and information on the Neil Gorsuch nomination. The letters were sent to the Department of Justice, the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Judge Gorsuch himself. To read the press release, CLICK HERE
KEY STATEMENTS
Feinstein: Sessions Must Recuse or Resign (March 2, 2017)
“First, it’s clear Attorney General Sessions must immediately recuse himself from any and all investigations into Russian ties to the Trump campaign and interference in the 2016 election. The fact that he spoke with Russians and then, under oath, denied it is unacceptable. If the attorney general refuses to recuse himself, he should resign. Second, I call for the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate this matter. Because the attorney general is responsible for appointing special prosecutors, Attorney General Sessions must recuse himself from that process as well. Third, President Trump must immediately order everyone connected with his campaign and his administration to cooperate with both Senate committees now investigating this: the Judiciary Committee and the Intelligence Committee. The ties between Russia and those close to Trump are far deeper than previously admitted and it’s clear the Trump administration is in no position to handle an investigation on its own” To read the press release, CLICK HERE
Feinstein Responds to Trump’s Congressional Address (February 28, 2017)
“This may have been President Trump’s first speech to Congress, but beneath the wish list of conservative issues it was little more than campaign rhetoric. President Trump offered no details whatsoever on a laundry list of promises. It sounds great to slash taxes and spend more money while at the same time balancing the budget, but that’s not how real life works. The proof is in the pudding, and without specifics it’s impossible to take his speech seriously. The State of the Union traditionally lays out details on a president’s agenda—President Trump missed that opportunity tonight.” To read the press release, CLICK HERE
Feinstein Calls for New Rules to Protect LGBT Students (February 28, 2017)
“I request that you issue new guidance to states and local school districts on how to improve school environments for LGBT students that will prevent bullying and harassment and protect their right to access a high-quality education in a supportive setting. I have significant concerns about making it the sole responsibility of states and local school districts to protect LGBT students. Federal guidelines are needed to help states and local school districts create a safe learning environment for all young people.” To read the press release, CLICK HERE
Feinstein Urges Trump to Support Violence Against Women Act (February 28, 2017)
“We encourage this Administration to again partner with Congress to champion critical VAWA programs aimed at preventing abuse, improving the law enforcement response to violence against women and children, and supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we support victims and survivors by investing in VAWA to ensure that service providers and law enforcement personnel are equipped with the necessary tools to protect victims and to bring perpetrators of domestic and sexual violence to justice.” To read the press release, CLICK HERE
FEINSTEIN IN THE NEWS
“The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer” (March 2, 2017)
Senator Feinstein was interviewed by Wolf Blitzer about Attorney General Sessions recusing himself from investigations into Trump ties with Russia. To watch the interview, CLICK HERE.
COMMENTARY
There’s No Such Thing as ‘Limited’ Nuclear War (March 5, 2017)
By Dianne Feinstein, Washington Post
“Last month, it was revealed that a Pentagon advisory committee authored a report calling for the United States to invest in new nuclear weapons and consider resuming nuclear testing. The report even suggested researching less-powerful nuclear weapons that could be deployed without resorting to full-scale nuclear war. This is terrifying and deserves a swift, full-throated rebuke.” To read the op-ed, CLICK HERE
STAYING INFORMED
You can find more press releases, commentary and information on issues at my website, feinstein.senate.gov. And please visit YouTube, Facebook and Twitter for more ways to stay informed.