Arizona Rep-Elect Grijalva Faces Record 35-Day Swearing-In Delay Amid Epstein File Allegations

Rep.-Elect Adelita Grijalva has experienced an unprecedented delay of over a month in being sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives after winning a special election to replace her late father, Raul Grijalva. House Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to swear her in, citing various excuses including the ongoing government shutdown, despite precedent where other members were sworn in promptly. This delay prevents Grijalva from providing constituent services, opening an office, hiring staff, or accessing her federal budget, leaving over 800,000 Arizonans without representation. The delay has sparked accusations that Johnson is obstructing her swearing-in to avoid transparency related to Jeffrey Epstein files, which Grijalva has pledged to help release. Grijalva has expressed frustration over her inability to serve her district amid critical issues like SNAP benefit cuts impacting seniors and community programs. Despite the challenges, Grijalva remains committed to fighting for her seat and serving her constituents as her father did.