Congresswoman-Elect Adelita Grijalva on Speaker Johnson delaying her swearing in

WASHINGTON (KYMA) - Congresswoman-Elect Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.) issued a statement regarding House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) delaying her swearing in during the House's pro forma session.

"I came to the Capitol today, ready to be sworn in and get to work for the people of Southern Arizona. Instead, Speaker Johnson chose to delay, denying our community the representation we deserve.

Earlier this year, two Republicans in Florida were sworn in during pro forma sessions less than 24 hours after their elections. The fact that Southern Arizona is being treated differently raises serious questions about political motivations – especially since I have pledged to become the 218th signature on the discharge petition to force a vote on the Epstein files.

Every day that Speaker Johnson delays is another day Southern Arizonans are left without a voice in Congress and without essential in-district services. With federal budget negotiations happening now, our community deserves a seat at the table – not partisan obstruction."

Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Representative-Elect

According to a press release obtained by KYMA, Katherine Clark (D-Ct.), Democratic Minority Whip in the House, called on Speaker Johnson to swear in Grijalva during the session, scheduled for Tuesday, "following common practice to swear in Representatives-Elect in special elections at the earliest opportunity."

Grijalva defeated Republican candidate Daniel Butierez during the September 23 Special General Election, and is expected to fill the seat left vacant by her father, the late Congressman Raul Grijalva.