In a much-anticipated event, the U.S. House of Representatives is set to welcome its latest member, Democrat Adelita Grijalva, who will be sworn in nearly two months after winning a special election in Arizona. Grijalva replaces her late father, marking a significant moment in Arizona’s political landscape.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., will oversee Grijalva’s swearing-in, which is scheduled to take place at 4 p.m. EST, just as the House gears up for a series of votes. This ceremony comes after a delay linked to a government shutdown resolution, a detail that has stirred some controversy.
A Delayed Beginning
The delay in Grijalva’s swearing-in has been a talking point among Democrats, who suggested it was a strategy to stall her signing of a petition concerning Jeffrey Epstein’s files. Grijalva described the experience as “emotional” and akin to a “roller coaster,” in an interview with The Associated Press.
“We’ve been waiting for this so long that it’s still surreal,” she shared.
Challenges on the Horizon
Grijalva’s induction coincides with a busy day on Capitol Hill, as lawmakers return amidst travel disruptions caused by the shutdown. Traditionally, individuals elected via special elections are sworn in on active legislative days, but the House’s hiatus since September 19 delayed this process for Grijalva. Interestingly, Johnson had previously sworn in two Republican members during a non-legislative session.
“I don’t think he’s thought of anything that he’s doing, in this case, as anything personal,” Grijalva commented. “It feels personal because, literally, my name was attached. I also know that if I were a Republican, I would have been sworn in seven weeks ago.”
Impending Legislative Actions
Grijalva’s first action in office will involve voting on a Senate-approved bill to end the government shutdown—a bill she and many Democrats oppose due to its failure to maintain Affordable Care Act tax credits, set to expire soon. Despite Democratic resistance, the Republican majority is expected to pass the legislation.
Completing a Crucial Petition
Grijalva’s signature will complete a discharge petition related to the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a legislative effort to mandate the release of unclassified documents on Epstein’s activities. The act is jointly sponsored by Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., with backing from all Democrats and three Republicans.
The addition of Grijalva’s signature doesn’t guarantee an immediate vote, as House rules dictate otherwise. Massachusetts Rep. Jim McGovern, a top Democrat on the House Rules Committee, anticipates that voting on this matter will occur in early December.
Breaking New Ground
Adelita Grijalva steps into her new role following the passing of her father, Rep. Raúl Grijalva, a dedicated progressive who served over two decades in the House. Her political journey includes significant local contributions, such as her tenure on the Tucson Unified School District board and her leadership on the Pima County Board of Supervisors, where she was the second woman to hold such a position.
She won her seat in a district dominated by a Hispanic demographic with a strong Democratic voter base. “I would rather have my dad than have an office,” she expressed, underscoring the personal nature of her win.
In her conversation with the AP, Grijalva emphasized her focus on environmental justice, tribal sovereignty, and public education, continuing her father’s legacy. “I know that the bar is set very high, and the expectation is high of what we’re going to be able to do once sworn in,” she stated.
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