On Monday, Senator Dianne Feinstein announced that she plans to step down as the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee in the 117th Congress. Senator Feinstein has faced criticism from progressives for her handling of Amy Coney Barrett's contentious Supreme Court confirmation hearing.  After the hearings, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) said he had a "long and serious" talk with Senator Feinstein. Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) is next in line for the job, followed by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island). Senator Feinstein stated in her remarks that she now plans to focus her attention on combating two issues critical to California - wildfires, and drought.