Congresswoman-Elect Adelita Grijalva awaits formal induction amid government shutdown
UPDATE (11:43 AM): Congresswoman-Elect Adelita Grijalva wrote a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson Monday to end the delay regarding her formal induction to Congress.
In the letter, Grijalva highlighted the impact the delay is having on people living in Southern Arizona.
"The delay in swearing me in is robbing the people of Southern Arizona of essential constituent services. I am unable to hire staff, open district offices, or respond to constituent concerns. This comes at an especially critical time during a government shutdown. Right now, the people of this District need a Member of Congress to provide guidance and stand up for impacted workers."
Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Congresswoman-Elect
Also in the letter, the congresswoman-elect cited two Republican Congressmen from Florida, Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine, who were both sworn in during a pro forma session less than 24 hours after they won their Special Elections earlier this year.
"Southern Arizona deserves the same prompt and equitable treatment. The same standard should be applied regardless of party, as my constituents are no less entitled to full representation. The people of Arizona's 7th District should not have to wait any longer to have a voice in their House," Grijalva expressed.
To read the letter in full, click here.
(KYMA) - Attention is focused on Adelita Grijalva, who was freshly elected to Congress, but is still awaiting her formal induction.
Grijalva, a Democrat and former Pima County Supervisor, will fill the U.S. House seat for Arizona's 7th Congressional District, making her the first female Latina to ever represent Arizona in Congress.
Despite her decisive win, Grijalva has not yet been sworn into office as the U.S. House is currently out of session.
Democrats argue the delay is politically motivated, especially since Grijalva's vote is pivotal for a bipartisan effort to force the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Some point out that in prior cases, new members have been sworn in even when the House was not in session.
Reporter Adrik Vargas will speak with Griljalva and share her reaction later this evening.
