Will Ailing Senators McConnell and Feinstein Be Replaced?: Kiplinger Economic Forecasts
Republicans and Democrats are actively discussing who could take their places.
To help you understand what is going on in Congress and what we expect to happen in the future, our highly-experienced Kiplinger Letter team will keep you abreast of the latest developments and forecasts (Get a free issue of The Kiplinger Letter or subscribe). You'll get all the latest news first by subscribing, but we will publish many (but not all) of the forecasts a few days afterward online. Here’s the latest...
The health of two senior senators is causing concern in both parties. For Republicans, it’s Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY), who froze for 20 seconds during his weekly press conference. He returned within minutes to field questions and said he was fine and fully able to do his job, though he wasn’t his usual self. The 81-year-old, who survived polio as a child, suffered a serious concussion in March and was absent for weeks, returning to the Senate in mid-April. He fell at least two other times this year. McConnell has said he plans to finish his six-year term that ends in January 2027.
For Democrats, it’s Sen. Dianne Feinstein (CA), who contracted shingles earlier this year, was absent for weeks, and has been on a noticeable decline. Even before the 90-year-old’s most recent health issue, there were concerns. When she returned to Congress in May, Feinstein's aides said she would work a "lighter schedule" on doctor's orders as she recovers from "complications related to a shingles diagnosis." Feinstein said she will retire at the end of her term in January 2025.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Behind the scenes, both parties are discussing potential replacements: Quietly among GOPers and more publicly among Dems. If either departs early, their state governors would name temporary replacements. (The Kentucky governor by law must pick a Republican.) Republicans would need a new Senate leader. Likely options: John Barrasso (WY), John Cornyn (TX) or John Thune (SD).
This forecast first appeared in The Kiplinger Letter, which has been running since 1923 and is a collection of concise weekly forecasts on business and economic trends, as well as what to expect from Washington, to help you understand what’s coming up to make the most of your investments and your money. Subscribe to The Kiplinger Letter.
-
The Retirement Donor's Checklist: Key Deadlines by Gift TypeRetirees have some charitable contribution options that can help avoid spikes in income from RMDS and capital gains.
-
Cooler Inflation Supports a Relief Rally: Stock Market TodayInvestors, traders and speculators welcome much-better-than-hoped-for core CPI data on top of optimism-renewing AI earnings.
-
Are T-Mobile's Prepaid Perks a Home Run or a Strikeout?T-Mobile's prepaid lineup promises MLB.TV, T-Mobile Tuesdays and hotspot data. But do the perks make it worth switching?
-
What Services Are Open During the Government Shutdown?The Kiplinger Letter As the shutdown drags on, many basic federal services will increasingly be affected.
-
Banks Are Sounding the Alarm About StablecoinsThe Kiplinger Letter The banking industry says stablecoins could have a negative impact on lending.
-
Trump's Economic InterventionThe Kiplinger Letter What to Make of Washington's Increasingly Hands-On Approach to Big Business
-
What is AI Worth to the Economy?The Letter Spending on AI is already boosting GDP, but will the massive outlays being poured into the technology deliver faster economic growth in the long run?
-
More Shutdown Struggles Ahead for Divided Congress
The Kiplinger Letter Failure to pass a government funding bill by September 30 would trigger a shutdown of many federal services.
-
Trump-Era Regulations Will Broaden Access to CryptoThe Kiplinger Letter The president wants to make the U.S. the leader in digital assets.
-
Big Changes Are Ahead for Higher EdThe Kiplinger Letter A major reform of higher ed is underway. Colleges are bracing for abrupt change, financial headwinds and uncertainty.
-
Breaking China's Stranglehold on Rare Earth ElementsThe Letter China is using its near-monopoly on critical minerals to win trade concessions. Can the U.S. find alternate supplies?
