WASHINGTON: Veteran Senator Dianne Feinstein, a titan of US political history who notched a string of legislative achievements during a trailblazing three-decade career in the Senate, has died. She was 90.

Feinstein, the Senate’s oldest member, was celebrated as a pioneer for women in politics and a hugely effective legislator. During a career that began in local California government, she grew to be a tough check on administrations from both parties. She had already announced her retirement this February as her health worsened and following a number of missteps that threatened her legacy.

Her death is not expected to shift the tight balance of power in the Senate, with the Democratic governor of California appointing a temporary replacement for the remainder of her term, which ends in January 2025. “Senator Dianne Feinstein was a pioneering American. A true trailblazer.

And for Jill and me, a cherished friend,” US President Joe Biden said in a statement, ordering the US flag to be flown at half-staff at the White House and on all public and military property.

Published in Dawn, October 1st, 2023