Arizona Democrat Adelita Grijalva Sworn In to Congress After 43-Day Delay
WASHINGTON – Adelita Grijalva, an Arizona Democrat, was sworn into the House of Representatives Wednesday, ending a contentious seven-week delay that sparked accusations of political maneuvering tied to the Jeffrey Epstein examination. Her swearing-in comes after a deal to fund the government secured enough Senate Democratic support to prompt action from House Speaker Mike Johnson.
The delay in seating Grijalva became a focal point during the recent government shutdown, the longest in american history at 43 days. Democrats alleged Johnson was intentionally blocking her swearing-in to prevent the release of Justice Department files related to the Epstein investigation, a matter that has drawn scrutiny of former President Donald Trump and his allies.
Grijalva’s first act as a member of Congress was signing a bipartisan discharge petition – securing the 218th signature needed – to force a floor vote on releasing the Epstein files, bypassing Johnson’s leadership. While the bill is expected to pass the House, its prospects in the Senate and with a potential veto from Trump are considered unlikely.
Johnson maintained the delay was unrelated to the petition, stating the House Oversight Committee is already investigating the Epstein matter and has been releasing records, including 20,000 pages released Wednesday. He had previously stated he would only swear in Grijalva onc Senate Democrats agreed to reopen the government.
A bipartisan agreement to fund the government,approved by the Senate on Monday,paved the way for Grijalva’s swearing-in.The House will vote later Wednesday on the funding package, which includes three full-year spending bills and a temporary extension for the remainder of the government.
Following the formal swearing-in, Johnson participated in a conventional ceremonial swearing-in with Grijalva and her family, posing for a photo. Grijalva’s election continues a family legacy in the House, where her father served for more than two decades.
