REVEALED: Chuck Schumer has had 'painful conversations' with oldest senator Dianne Feinstein, 87, about 'cognitive decline' and stepping aside - but she keeps forgetting they've spoken Chuck Schumer had several 'painful' conversations with Senator Dianne Feinstein about stepping down from leading Dems on Senate Judiciary panel But she 'seemed to forget' about their talks, resulting in the Senate Democratic leader having multiple tough conversations with her Progressive groups publicly - and Democrats on Capitol Hill privately - have expressed concern about Feinstein's cognitive abilities Things came to ahead during Amy Coney Barrett confirmation hearings Aides say Feinstein's short term memory is fading