Arizona Representativeelect Adelita Grijalva is set to take her oath of office on Wednesday. Her long wait for this moment has been marked by tensions with House Speaker Mike Johnson. Grijalva plans to confront Johnson regarding the nearly 50day delay in her swearingin.
Grijalva’s Stance on SwearingIn Delay
In an interview with CNN, Grijalva expressed her determination to address the situation directly. She stated, “I won’t be able to sort of move on if I don’t address it personally.” Grijalva emphasized the seriousness of the delay, labeling it “undemocratic” and “unconstitutional.”
Context of the Delay
Grijalva won a special election on September 23 to succeed her father, Raúl Grijalva, who passed away in March. Despite her victory, House Speaker Johnson refused to administer the oath during a congressional recess, citing a “Pelosi precedent” where similar situations were handled in a comparable manner. This decision has sparked backlash, especially since the House has been out of session since September 19.
- Special Election Date: September 23
- Raúl Grijalva’s Death: March 2023
- House Recess Start: September 19
Impact on Arizona’s 7th District
The delay in Grijalva’s swearingin has frustrated residents of Arizona’s 7th Congressional District. Currently, constituents are dealing with a closed congressional office in Tucson and unanswered calls. Grijalva noted that “813,000 southern Arizonans haven’t had support during this shutdown” due to Speaker Johnson’s actions.
Future Legislative Actions
Once sworn in, Grijalva is expected to be the 218th vote necessary to push a discharge petition. This petition aims to force a House vote on releasing documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, a late convicted sex offender. Grijalva believes her delayed swearingin is an attempt to obstruct this vote, a claim Speaker Johnson has denied.
Grijalva stated, “We’re hoping to expedite a vote on the Epstein files.” She is adamant about the need for accountability regarding those implicated in criminal activities against children and women. Furthermore, she warns that there may be attempts to block this vote, citing Johnson’s previous actions to prevent discussion on the matter.
Looking Ahead
With Congress scheduled to return to Washington, DC, on Wednesday, Grijalva’s swearingin is more than a ceremonial act. It represents a significant moment for her constituents and a crucial step for legislative progress, particularly concerning the Epstein filings. The coming days will be pivotal for both Grijalva and the House as they navigate these pressing issues.