Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has suggested that sexism could be behind the calls for Sen. Dianne Feinstein to quit.
"Sen. Feinstein has been a champion for California," she said in an ABC7 video posted online. "For 20 years I have been the leader or the speaker of the House fighting for California, and I have seen up-close and firsthand her great leadership for our country, but especially for our state of California.
"She deserves the respect to get well and be back on duty. I don't know what the political agendas that are at work that are going after Sen. Feinstein in that way. I've never seen them go after a man in the Senate in that way.
Her comments came after Democrat Reps. Ro Khanna of California and Dean Phillips of Minnesota called on Feinstein, 89, to resign for missing votes since undergoing treatment for shingles in February.
"Unfortunately, my return to Washington has been delayed due to continued complications related to my diagnosis," stated Feinstein, noting that she initially expected a March return.
Khanna, a California progressive, wrote on Twitter that Feinstein should step down before the end of her term, The Associated Press noted. She announced in February that she would not seek reelection in 2024, opening up her seat for the first time in over 30 years.
"We need to put the country ahead of personal loyalty," wrote Khanna, who has endorsed the Senate campaign of Democrat Rep. Barbara Lee. "While she has had a lifetime of public service, it is obvious she can no longer fulfill her duties."
Phillips later said he agreed with Khanna.
Feinstein's office said in a statement that she continues to work from home in San Francisco as she recuperates. No date has been set for her to return to the Senate.
Her office did not immediately respond to a request to comment on the calls for her resignation.