Speaker Johnson Delays Swearing-In of Rep.-Elect Grijalva Amid Government Shutdown

House Speaker Mike Johnson has postponed the swearing-in of Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva, linking the delay to the ongoing government shutdown. A leadership aide stated, "We will swear in Rep.-Elect [Adelita] Grijalva as soon as the House returns to session when Chuck Schumer, Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego decide to open up the government." This decision contrasts with Johnson's earlier statement that Grijalva would be sworn in "as soon as she wants."

The House has been holding brief "pro forma" sessions during the shutdown, which are typically procedural and do not involve legislative business. Johnson previously swore in Republican Representatives Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine during such sessions earlier this year. When questioned about the delay, Johnson emphasized the ceremonial nature of the swearing-in and indicated it would occur when the full House returns.

Grijalva, who won a special election two weeks ago, has been urging Johnson to provide a date for her swearing-in, arguing that the delay "is robbing the people of Southern Arizona of essential constituent services." She stated, "Speaker Johnson needs to stop dragging his feet and follow the same precedent he set in swearing in his Republican colleagues earlier this year. If he would simply give me a date and time, I will be there."

The delay also affects a petition to force a full House vote on releasing further materials in the Jeffrey Epstein case, as Grijalva's signature is needed. Johnson has denied any connection between the swearing-in delay and the petition.

Representative Jim McGovern, the top Democrat on the House Rules Committee, criticized the delay, calling it "outrageous" and suggesting it is part of an "Epstein cover-up."

The situation underscores the broader political tensions amid the government shutdown, with both parties leveraging procedural actions to advance their agendas.