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.
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