Rep. Khanna: Replacing Feinstein 'Not That Simple'

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., told CNN on Thursday that temporarily replacing Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., on the Senate Judiciary Committee is "not that simple" of a solution after calling for her resignation.

Feinstein, 89, has been dealing with health complications, which has prevented the committee from passing judicial nominees to a floor vote. After several Democratic legislators, including Khanna, began calling for her to resign, Feinstein announced her intent to ask Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to appoint a temporary replacement for her on the committee.

However, Khanna told "CNN This Morning" host Don Lemon that while the move is "a step" in the right direction, "it's not that simple."

He added: "Any Republican senator can object to that … we have to see if that's even possible. ... My question is why not just take the step and resign? Instead of going through all of these motions."

Khanna, co-chair for California Democrat Rep. Barbara Lee's campaign to replace Feinstein, said Feinstein "has been an icon on issues of gun violence and women's rights, but it has become painfully obvious to many of us in California that she is no longer able to fulfill her duties as she doesn't have a clear return date."

Khanna added: "We haven't been able to confirm judges at a time where women's rights and voting rights are under assault. And so, as someone from California, I felt an obligation to say what so many colleagues are saying in private. The time has come for her to gracefully step down and have a dignified end to a very distinguished political career."

Khanna previously wrote on Twitter: "It's time for @SenFeinstein to resign. We need to put the country ahead of personal loyalty. While she has had a lifetime of public service, it is obvious she can no longer fulfill her duties. Not speaking out undermines our credibility as elected representatives of the people."

• Pelosi Slams Sen. Feinstein Resignation Calls as Sexist
• Feinstein Seeks Judiciary Replacement