Biden praises Feinstein: ‘pioneering American’ and ‘cherished friend’

President Biden praised the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) as a “true trailblazer” and lauded her long tenure in the Senate following news of her passing on Friday. 

“Senator Dianne Feinstein was a pioneering American. A true trailblazer. And for Jill and me, a cherished friend,” Biden said in a statement. 

“Dianne made her mark on everything from national security to the environment to protecting civil liberties. She’s made history in so many ways, and our country will benefit from her legacy for generations.” 

Feinstein passed away at age 90 after serving three decades as a senator from California, the longest-serving woman in the upper chamber.

She faced calls to resign this year after a long absence from the Senate as she recovered from shingles sparked concerns about her health and fitness to keep working. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said Thursday that Feinstein hadn’t felt well that morning.

Biden on Friday praised Feinstein’s work as former mayor of San Francisco and recalled his service alongside her in the Senate, lauding the senator’s leadership in the fight to ban assault weapons as exemplary of “her skillful legislating and sheer force of will.” 

“Often the only woman in the room, Dianne was a role model for so many Americans — a job she took seriously by mentoring countless public servants, many of whom now serve in my Administration. She had an immense impact on younger female leaders for whom she generously opened doors,” Biden said.

“Dianne was tough, sharp, always prepared, and never pulled a punch, but she was also a kind and loyal friend, and that’s what Jill and I will miss the most,” the president said.