California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who has been facing speculation about her mental acuity and prolonged absence, appeared confused and had to be prompted to cast her vote during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on Thursday. The 90-year-old Democrat remained silent when it was her turn to vote on a $831.781 billion bill. Washington Sen. Patty Murray had to repeat herself multiple times, urging Feinstein to say "aye." Feinstein, who has seemed frail and disoriented since battling complications from a shingles diagnosis earlier this year, then tried to read a prepared statement but was interrupted by an aide. Eventually, Feinstein cast her vote with a prompt from Murray.

A spokesperson for Feinstein later explained that the senator was preoccupied and didn't realize the debate had ended and a vote was called. The spokesperson stated, "She started to give a statement, was informed it was a vote, and then cast her vote." Feinstein, who has represented California for over 30 years, announced earlier this year that she would not seek re-election in 2024. Several colleagues have expressed concerns about her mental acuity, and some Democratic members of Congress have called for her resignation before the end of her term.

Feinstein's confusion during the hearing echoes a similar incident involving Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell the day before. McConnell froze during a press conference on the National Defense Authorization Act, and an aide later explained that he felt light-headed and had stepped away for a moment. McConnell returned minutes later, insisting that he was "fine."

Feinstein's moment of confusion and McConnell's health scare have raised concerns about the cognitive abilities of some of the Senate's oldest members. Feinstein's prolonged absence earlier this year and her reliance on staff to push her wheelchair, remind her how to vote, and explain what is happening when she becomes confused have also been noted.

The incident during the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing adds to the scrutiny surrounding Feinstein's fitness to serve. Despite the speculation, Feinstein has stated her intention to serve the remainder of her term. However, questions about her ability to fulfill her duties continue to arise.