The U.S. House of Representatives was scheduled to convene on Friday for a pro forma legislative session amidst the ongoing three-week government shutdown. Democrats highlighted a significant matter – the swearing-in of Adelita Grijalva from Arizona, who emerged victorious in a special election over three weeks ago but has not yet taken the oath of office.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is being accused by Democrats of intentionally delaying Grijalva’s entry into office, as her crucial vote may impact bipartisan calls for increased transparency regarding investigations involving Jeffrey Epstein, a deceased child sex offender with ties to Donald Trump.
Adelita Grijalva, a lifelong Arizona resident, has a background as a program director in Pima County’s juvenile court system and has held elected positions on local school and political boards. Aged 54, she is married with three children.
Grijalva transitioned into federal politics to contest the vacant seat in Arizona’s 7th Congressional District following the passing of her father Raul earlier this year, who served in Congress for over two decades. She secured victory in the special election on September 23, garnering 69% of the vote against her Republican opponent.
The delay in Grijalva’s swearing-in has been attributed to a partial government shutdown since October 1. Speaker Johnson has refrained from scheduling any floor votes during this period, although occasional pro forma sessions have taken place without voting activity.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries demanded Johnson swear in Grijalva promptly, emphasizing that the delay for partisan reasons undermines the integrity of the House. Jeffries drew a comparison to recent swift swearing-ins of Republican representatives in Florida and criticized the treatment of newly elected Democrats.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes warned Johnson of potential legal repercussions for failing to seat Grijalva promptly, highlighting the denial of representation to over 800,000 Arizonans due to the delay. Johnson dismissed Mayes’ letter as a publicity stunt, while Jeffries hinted at legal action if the request remains unaddressed.
The Epstein case looms large in the background, with Republican Rep. Thomas Massie rallying support for a petition to release federal files on Epstein, a move that could attract Grijalva’s signature once she assumes office. Democrats allege that Johnson’s delay tactic is linked to avoiding any Epstein-related votes due to implications for the Trump administration.
Amidst the political standoff, tensions have escalated, with Democrats and some Republicans advocating for Grijalva’s immediate swearing-in to uphold democratic norms and ensure representation for Arizona’s constituents.