Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, a Democrat from Arizona, is experiencing an unusual delay in her swearing-in ceremony after winning her congressional seat. Despite securing her office keys, she finds herself without staff, a working phone, or a government email account.
Delay in Swearing-In Process
The hold-up in Grijalva’s swearing-in is attributed to the ongoing government shutdown. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, stated he would not swear in Grijalva until the shutdown concludes. This decision has raised eyebrows, as Johnson has previously sworn in members from both parties shortly after their election victories.
Controversies Surrounding the Delay
- Grijalva won her election on September 23 to represent Arizona’s 7th congressional district, including parts of Tucson.
- She pledged to support a bipartisan petition to release files related to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
- Her signature would complete the petition, enabling a House vote on the Epstein files.
During her campaign, Grijalva encountered skepticism from supporters who warned that the delay might be linked to her intentions regarding the Epstein files. Initially dismissing these concerns as conspiracy theories, she now finds herself facing that reality.
Response from House Leadership
Speaker Johnson defends his stance, labeling accusations of a deliberate delay as “partisan manufactured issues.” He pointed out that Republicans are actively working with the House Oversight Committee to investigate and release documents concerning Epstein.
Reactions from Colleagues and Supporters
The reaction from Grijalva’s colleagues has been intense. Democrats have protested on the House floor demanding her immediate swearing-in. A group of lawmakers even marched to Johnson’s office, chanting, “Swear her in.”
Senator Ruben Gallego, a fellow Democrat from Arizona, is among those who have publicly criticized Johnson. He accused him of “protecting pedophiles” by blocking Grijalva’s swearing-in, aiming to prevent her from signing the discharge petition regarding the Epstein files. Johnson dismissed these allegations as “totally absurd.”
Legal Threats and Political Heritage
As the situation escalates, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has threatened legal action to compel Grijalva’s swearing-in following the certification of her election results. Grijalva is the daughter of the late Raúl Grijalva, who held the seat for over two decades before his passing in March. She expressed a heartfelt desire to honor her father’s legacy in office once she finally assumes her position.
As the political drama unfolds, the ramifications of the government shutdown continue to influence congressional proceedings, highlighting the intricate interplay of politics and governance.
