California senator Dianne Feinstein – known for being a vocal advocate of gun control measures – has died aged 90.
NBC News, Sky’s US partner network, confirmed the Democratic Party politician, who tried to find common ground with Republicans over three decades in the Senate, died despite planning to retire at the end of her term.
She was the oldest member of the chamber and had faced calls to resign over concerns about her health.
Feinstein was also the longest-serving female senator, elected in 1992.
President Joe Biden hailed Feinstein has a “passionate defender of civil liberties” after she announced her retirement, describing her as “strong voice for national security policies that keep us safe while honouring our values.”
Paying tribute to his former Senate colleague, Mr Biden said in a statement: “I’ve served with more U.S. Senators than just about anyone.
“I can honestly say that Dianne Feinstein is one of the very best.”
In March, Feinstein’s spokesperson said she was dealing with a “health matter” after she missed votes at the end of February.
She cast her final vote in the first of three votes at the Senate on Thursday, hours before her death was announced.
The politician is recorded as not having taken part in the remaining two ballots.
Feinstein, lauded as a “trailblazer” in US politics, championed the assault weapons ban signed into law by then-President Bill Clinton in 1994.
She fought for restrictive laws after that ban expired a decade later.
Feinstein also served as chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, leading reviews of the CIA’s detention and interrogation program created after the 9/11 terror attacks.
This was key to the introduction of laws banning the use of methods of torture.
Pic: AP
‘A person of unquestioned integrity’
Former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is leading tributes to Feinstein, describing how she was “deeply saddened” by her death.
The former First Lady posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: [Feinstein] blazed trails for women in politics and found a life’s calling in public service.
“I’ll miss her greatly as a friend and colleague and send my condolences to all who loved her.”
Missouri Senator, Josh Hawley, described his late California counterpart as “tough, smart and effective”.
He posted on X: “It has been an honour to serve with her in the Senate and on the Judiciary Committee.
“No one was more welcoming when I came to the Senate than she, and no one was a better example.
“She was tough, incredibly smart, and effective.
“Always willing to work across the aisle to get things done, she was a person of unquestioned integrity. I admired her and will miss her in the Senate.”
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.
Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
You can receive Breaking News alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News App. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
