(NewsNation) — Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, D-Ariz., has been awaiting her swearing-in ceremony for nearly seven weeks, citing House Speaker Mike Johnson’s refusal as the reason.
Since Sept. 23, Grijalva has been “in limbo,” she told NewsNation’s “Elizabeth Vargas Reports.”
Johnson, a Republican, is not prohibited from stalling the ceremony due to the government shutdown. However, some believe Johnson is delaying because Grijalva would be the final vote needed to push a House resolution calling for the release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
How far away is the government shutdown’s end?
Johnson said the vote is irrelevant because the House Oversight Committee, which released some documents earlier this year, is already working on the case.
When will Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva take office?
It’s unclear when Grijalva will take office. The government shutdown surpassed 40 days over the weekend, with senators holding rare Saturday and Sunday sessions.
Grijalva won a special election to fill the seat of her late father, longtime Rep. Raúl Grijalva. However, because she has yet to be sworn in, she has been unable to complete her duties representing the 800,000 people in her district.
New Mexico lawmakers propose Epstein probe at secluded desert ranch
Grijalva made it clear she doesn’t anticipate asking a judge to weigh in. Arizona’s attorney general sent a demand letter on her behalf that did not receive a response.
Johnson has said Grijalva will have a proper swearing-in ceremony once the shutdown is over. As of Monday morning, the shutdown was still in effect.
NewsNation’s Rob Taub contributed to this story.
