House Speaker Mike Johnson recently faced criticism from Arizona Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva, who highlighted the significant delay in her swearing-in process, which took nearly two months. Grijalva, a Democrat, finally had her ceremony on Wednesday after the House reconvened. She expressed her frustration about the situation prior to her swearing-in, labeling Johnson’s refusal to administer the oath during the government shutdown as “undemocratic, unconstitutional, and illegal.”
The swearing-in ceremony was marked by an awkward exchange between Grijalva and Johnson. Following the official moment, a reporter inquired about the reasons behind the delay, to which Grijalva humorously deflected to Johnson, noting, “That would not be my question.” Johnson praised Grijalva, stating, “I really like this lady. She’s gonna be an excellent member of Congress.”
Grijalva, who succeeded her late father, Rep. Raúl Grijalva, expressed her relief at finally being able to serve her constituents after a frustrating 50 days of waiting. In her first speech after being sworn in, she emphasized the impact the delay had on over 800,000 constituents who had been deprived of essential services. Grijalva stated that no individual should obstruct the swearing-in of an elected member of Congress for political reasons.
In a notable move following her swearing-in, Grijalva signed a discharge petition that will compel Congress to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein, a topic of significant public interest and controversy. Johnson confirmed that the bill concerning these files would be brought to a vote next week, showing a swift response to Grijalva’s push for transparency.
Grijalva voiced strong convictions about the release of the Epstein files, asserting that protecting victims of abuse should transcend political lines. She emphasized the urgency in restoring Congress’s role in overseeing issues impacting the American public. This moment not only marks the beginning of her legislative duties but also reaffirms a commitment to advocating for justice on critical issues right out of the gate.
The event showcased a moment of political tension, yet it also served as a reminder of the importance of representation and accountability in government, embodying a hopeful outlook as Grijalva embarks on her new role, ready to advocate for her constituents and tackle pressing issues.