Adelita Grijalva’s Swearing-In
After winning a special election in Arizona seven weeks ago, Democrat Adelita Grijalva is set to be sworn in on Wednesday. Her vote could play a crucial role in deciding the fate of files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has called the House back into session for the first time in nearly two months. He refrained from convening during the government shutdown, as his chamber had already passed a funding measure.
Before the House votes on a funding package aimed at ending the shutdown, Ms. Grijalva will take her oath of office. The voting is expected to commence around 4 p.m. on Wednesday.
“After seven weeks of waiting, I almost can’t believe it’s true,” Ms. Grijalva expressed on social media this past Monday.
Ms. Grijalva is anticipated to be the final signature needed on a petition that seeks to compel the release of all Justice Department investigative files concerning Epstein.
Speaker Johnson has dismissed claims regarding the petition as a “red herring.” However, he previously stated he would not swear in Ms. Grijalva until the House reconvened, which has drawn criticism from Democrats who accuse him of facilitating a cover-up.
Democrats highlighted that two Florida Republicans were sworn in earlier this year during a pro forma session just one day after their special elections. In response, Mr. Johnson pointed out that former Speaker Nancy Pelosi took nearly a month to swear in Rep. Julia Letlow after her special election victory.
Elected on September 23, Ms. Grijalva fills the seat previously held by her late father, Raul Grijalva. Last month, Arizona’s attorney general initiated legal action aimed at expediting her swearing-in process.
