California Sen. Dianne Feinstein appeared confused and had to be told to vote in an uncomfortable moment during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing.
California Sen. Dianne Feinstein appeared confused and had to be prompted to vote “aye” in an uncomfortable moment during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on Thursday.
The 90-year-old Democrat, who has faced calls to resign due to her health, remained awkwardly silent when it was her turn to cast her vote on the $831.781 billion Defense Appropriations bill.
“Say aye,” Washington Sen. Patty Murray said to her. She repeated herself three more times.
Feinstein, who has seemed frail and disoriented since battling complications from a shingles diagnosis in the spring, then began trying to read a prepared statement.
But an aide came to her side and interrupted her before whispering something.
“Yeah,” Murray said once more. “Just say ‘aye.’”
“OK, just,” Feinstein replied.
“Aye,” Murray emphasized.
Then, Feinstein sat back in her chair and let out an “aye” for her vote.
