Dianne Feinstein returns to Senate after extended absence.

Senator Dianne Feinstein has returned to Washington, D.C. after a months-long absence due to a shingles diagnosis. Her return restores the Democrats' 51-49 majority in the Senate. Feinstein's absence prompted calls for her resignation, but she has announced that she will not seek re-election in 2024. She also requested a temporary replacement on the Judiciary Committee, which was rejected by Republicans. Feinstein contradicted her statement by saying that her absence has not caused a "slowdown."