Senator Dianne Feinstein at the Commonwealth Club April 27, 2011

With the Middle East in turmoil and America’s main Asian ally reeling from a tsunami-triggered crisis, the United States is facing unexpected challenges overseas. Senator Dianne Feinstein, Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, will offer her views on what the United States should do to promote democracy in countries attempting to throw off authoritarian regimes. What national interest is really at stake in Libya and Afghanistan? Will the United States ever wean itself from foreign oil? Also, Senator Feinstein recently toured California’s two nuclear plants and will discuss how Japan’s disaster impacts existing and planned U.S. atomic reactors. Can they help reduce carbon emissions along with investments in California’s clean tech sector? The California senior senator will elaborate on advancing freedom abroad and pursuing a clean and safe future at home.

Since 1992, Senator Feinstein has built a reputation as an independent voice, working with both Democrats and Republicans to find common-sense solutions to a variety of social and political problems. Senator Feinstein serves on the Judiciary Committee, the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, the Select Committee on Intelligence, the Appropriations Committee, and the Rules and Administration Committee. Her tenure in the Senate has resulted in the passage of bills supporting women’s health, gun control, and protection of California’s natural resources.