Dianne Feinstein has surrendered decision-making on legal matters to her daughter, but the 90-year-old is still one of the most powerful lawmakers in the country.
(So … Feinstein doesn’t trust her mental ability to make her own decisions … BUT, she’s still going to be making them for the rest of America … DAMN.)
Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein has surrendered at least some of her authority to her daughter, Katherine, a development that once again underlines the precarious nature of the 90-year-old remaining among the most powerful people.
The New York Times reported Thursday that Feinstein has granted power of attorney to Katherine Feinstein, a former San Francisco judge, over her legal affairs. It's not immediately clear the extent of the agreement or if any other subjects are covered. A power of attorney agreement itself does not explicitly mean a person is incapacitated. There are other more innocuous reasons such an agreement could be in place. News of the agreement still sparked further concern over Feinstein's standing.
During a recent Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Feinstein appeared confused during a roll call vote. Her office later said that Feinstein was "preoccupied" and didn't realize the debate had ended. In days before that awkward moment, Feinstein appeared to have mistakenly voted in favor of a GOP-led amendment before correcting her position. Insider reporter Bryan Metzger also observed her asking an aide "Where are we going?" as she was being wheeled toward elevators up to the Senate floor.
Democrats have taken action in recent years to diminish her power. Democrats broke with decades of precedent in naming Sen. Patty Murray Senate president pro tempore, a position that is third in line to the presidency. If tradition was followed, Feinstein, as the longest-serving member of the majority party, would have assumed that role.

Read the rest at:
https://www.businessinsider.com/dianne-feinstein-power-of-attorney-age-senate-democrats-congress-2023-8