Feinstein to take over Judiciary

[Geee]

The Hill:

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) is poised to take over as chairwoman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, shifting the leadership of the partisan panel in charge of judicial nominations to the center.

She will have primary jurisdiction over two of the biggest issues Congress will tackle next year: immigration reform and gun control.

 

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) is expected to take over the Senate Appropriations Committee following the death of Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) Monday.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Leahy had not yet made up his mind whether he would take the Appropriations gavel. He told reporters he would announce a decision within 24 hours.

Feinstein has sided with Republicans on big votes, which could pave the way for landmark bipartisan compromises on divisive issues such as immigration reform.