Democrat Adelita Grijalva is set to be sworn in as a member of Congress on Wednesday, following her recent election victory in Arizona. This event marks a significant moment as she fills the seat once held by her late father, Raul Grijalva.
Swearing-In Ceremony Details
House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed that Grijalva will take the oath of office when the House reconvenes. This is scheduled to occur before the House conducts votes on a critical government funding bill. Voting is anticipated to start at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.
Grijalva’s Election Background
- Special Election Date: September 23
- To fill the seat of her late father, Raul Grijalva
- Previous House Session: Last met on September 19
Grijalva expressed her relief and disbelief after seven weeks of waiting for her swearing-in. She voiced concern regarding her initial vote, which pertains to a bill that lacks provisions for affordable health care.
Delays in Swearing-In Process
The delay in Grijalva’s swearing-in has drawn scrutiny. Initially, Speaker Johnson indicated that she would be sworn in promptly, but various reasons for the postponement have emerged over the past weeks. He mentioned scheduling issues and adherence to precedents.
Comparative Delays
Johnson referred to the case of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, noting that it took 25 days for another representative to be sworn in during the pandemic. However, Democrats contend that similar cases were expedited earlier this year.
Legal Action
In an effort to accelerate the process, Arizona’s attorney general filed a lawsuit last month aimed at expediting Grijalva’s swearing-in. This ongoing situation highlights the complexities in the congressional swearing-in process and the political dynamics at play.
