US Senator Dianne Feinstein said on Tuesday that she would not seek re-election at the end of her term in 2024, ending a groundbreaking political career spanning six decades.
It also clears the path for a hotly contested race among California Democrats for her seat.
The announcement was widely expected as Ms Feinstein, who turns 90 in June, is the oldest member of Congress.
"I’ve served with more US senators than just about anyone. I can honestly say that Dianne Feinstein is one of the very best," President Joe Biden said in a statement.
"I look forward to continuing to work with her as she serves out her term."
In recent years, questions have been raised about her cognitive ability and memory, although she has defended her effectiveness in representing a state that is home to nearly 40 million people.
Ms Feinstein said she intended to remain in Congress until the end of her term.
“Even with a divided Congress, we can still pass bills that will improve lives," she said. "Each of us was sent here to solve problems.
"That’s what I’ve done for the last 30 years, and that’s what I plan to do for the next two years."
Ms Feinstein is a trailblazer in US politics. She was the first female mayor of San Francisco, first woman to serve on the Senate judiciary committee and is now the longest-serving female senator.
"Often the only woman in the room, she was determined to lift America up, and through her intellect, empathy, character and drive, to make this country everything it could be," Mr Biden said.
She was expected to serve this year as president pro tempore, the ceremonial head of the Senate and third in line to the presidency, a position typically given to a senior senator of the majority party.
But she declined to seek election for the position, months after Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer, a fellow Democrat, would not say whether he had confidence in her ability to serve.
Instead, Senator Patty Murray, 72, was installed in the job.
Last year, media outlets reported that Ms Feinstein's memory was rapidly deteriorating.
California reliably votes Democratic and the state is home to many up-and-coming politicians who will be looking at her seat.
Several Democrats had already announced or hinted at runs even before her announcement, including Representatives Katie Porter and Adam Schiff.
California will hold its primary elections on March 5, 2024.
News agencies contributed to this report
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What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
Asia Cup 2018 Qualifier
Sunday's results:
- UAE beat Malaysia by eight wickets
- Nepal beat Singapore by four wickets
- Oman v Hong Kong, no result
Tuesday fixtures:
- Malaysia v Singapore
- UAE v Oman
- Nepal v Hong Kong
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Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
