Late Sen. Dianne Feinstein remembered at funeral in California
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The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus sings as Feinstein lies in state on Oct. 4 in San Francisco City Hall. Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez/Getty Images
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) was remembered Thursday at a funeral service in San Francisco by people gathered to honor her decades of trailblazing public service.
Driving the news: Feinstein, the longest-serving woman senator in U.S. history, died last week at age 90.
- Feinstein's colleagues, family and constituents paid their respects at San Francisco City Hall Wednesday as she lay in state.
- During her 30 years in Congress, she advocated for stricter gun control measures, civil rights and abortion access.
- Her previously public positions included San Francisco county supervisor and San Francisco mayor. In the Senate, she served on the Judiciary, Rules and Administration and Intelligence committees.
Details: The service, which was broadcast on YouTube, was no longer open to the public as originally planned "due to a larger than expected security perimeter," her office said.
- The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels, beloved by Feinstein, flew overhead during the service.
What they're saying: President Biden delivered remarks via pre-recorded audio, memorializing Feinstein, saying, "May Dianne's life be a reminder that ... our democracy depends on the constitution of our character as a people."
- Vice President Kamala Harris addressed Feinstein in her remarks: "The women of America have come a long way, our country has come a long way, and you helped move the ball forward, and our nation salutes you Dianne."
- Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) reflected: "Her integrity made her sparkle like a diamond in the Senate. He called Feinstein "a living embodiment of what the Senate should always be – an institution built on cooperation."
- Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) called her friend and neighbor "a woman so strategic and so strong, a lady so gentle, a trailblazing model and a mentor of generosity and sweetness."
- Feinstein's granddaughter, Eileen Mariano, concluded the memorial, calling her grandmother her "biggest cheerleader."
Of note: Harris swore Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) into office Tuesday to replace Feinstein.
Context: Feinstein, who was elected in 1992 during a wave known as the "Year of the Woman," helped pave the way for other women lawmakers.
- She was one of three women to ever represent California in the U.S. Senate at the time of her death, along with Harris. Barbara Boxer became a California senator months after Feinstein.
- Boxer said on X following Feinstein's death: "We made history together and we proved having more women in politics was a real plus for our country."
- "Your legacy lives on."
Go deeper: Pioneering Feinstein remembered by women lawmakers: "A force"
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional developments.
