The U.S. House of Representatives was scheduled to convene on Friday for a brief legislative session amidst the ongoing government shutdown. Democrats highlighted the urgent need to swear in Adelita Grijalva, who emerged victorious in a special election in Arizona over three weeks ago but has not taken the oath of office yet.
Adelita Grijalva, a lifelong Arizona resident, has a background working in a juvenile court program in Pima County and has held positions on local school and political boards. At 54 years old, she is a married mother of three.
Following her win in the special election for Arizona’s 7th Congressional District, left vacant by her father’s passing earlier this year, Grijalva secured 69% of the vote over her Republican rival.
The delay in Grijalva’s swearing-in is attributed to the ongoing government shutdown which began on October 1. House Speaker Mike Johnson has refrained from scheduling floor votes since then, citing the shutdown. Some Democrats have accused Johnson of delaying Grijalva’s entry to avoid a crucial vote regarding demands for transparency in investigations related to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender associated with former President Donald Trump.
In response to mounting pressure, Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries demanded Johnson to swear in Grijalva promptly, emphasizing that the delay for partisan motives undermines the House’s integrity.
The controversy surrounding Grijalva’s swearing-in has drawn criticism from both Democrats and a few Republicans, with Arizona’s Attorney General Kris Mayes even threatening legal action against Johnson for the delay, claiming that over 800,000 Arizonans are being deprived of representation.
The situation has been further complicated by the Epstein factor, with Republican Rep. Thomas Massie spearheading efforts to secure signatures on a petition to release federal files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Grijalva’s support for the petition once she assumes office is expected to tip the scales to trigger a vote.
Democrats allege that Johnson’s reluctance to swear in Grijalva promptly is connected to avoiding any vote linked to Epstein, a vexing issue for the Trump administration. Johnson has refuted claims of any delay tactics related to the discharge petition, while Grijalva has emphasized the importance of addressing the Epstein-related concerns.
The unfolding saga underscores the intersection of politics and accountability within the context of high-profile investigations, with implications for both major political parties.
