Arizona’s Democratic senators engaged in a heated confrontation with House Speaker Mike Johnson on October 11, 2023. This clash occurred on the eighth day of the government shutdown and highlighted ongoing tensions between the two parties. The center of the dispute was Johnson’s refusal to swear in newly elected Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva until the Senate impasse was resolved and the government reopened.
Confrontation Over Grijalva’s Swearing-In
Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego addressed reporters outside Johnson’s office. They accused him of delaying Grijalva’s swearing-in due to her potential influence on a House vote concerning the Jeffrey Epstein case files. During the exchange, Johnson defended his actions, stating that Grijalva’s appointment was pending because she was elected after the House was out of session. He asserted he looked forward to administering her oath once the government reopens.
- Johnson claimed a distinction in swearing in GOP Reps. Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine earlier this year due to their families being present.
- Gallego confronted Johnson, saying, “Your excuse just keeps on moving.”
- Johnson countered by emphasizing that House committees were already investigating the Epstein files.
Exchange of Accusations
The confrontation escalated, with both parties interrupting each other. Gallego accused Johnson of covering up for “pedophiles,” to which Johnson firmly denied any connection to Epstein. GOP Rep. Mike Lawler intervened in defense of Johnson, telling the senators to back off and labeling their assertions as “absurd.”
Government Reopening Discussions
Amid the shouting, Kelly urged Johnson to reconvene the House for discussions on government funding. He stressed the urgency of addressing expiring subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. Johnson maintained that no discussions would take place unless Democrats supplied the necessary votes to pass a Republican funding bill.
- Kelly expressed concern about soaring healthcare premiums in Johnson’s Louisiana district.
- Johnson reiterated that substantive discussions would be impossible until government operations resume.
Continued Tensions in the Capitol
Later that day, tensions further escalated between Lawler and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Their heated verbal exchange lasted five minutes, touching on topics including the ACA subsidies and Jeffries’ opposition to endorsing a Democratic mayoral candidate.
- Jeffries confronted Lawler about his failure to support legislation extending ACA subsidies.
- Lawler accused Jeffries of theatrics to draw attention to himself.
As debates continue, it remains clear that dialogue between parties is strained, with significant implications for government funding and legislative priorities. The path forward will depend on bipartisan cooperation and negotiations in the coming days.
