UPDATE: Tensions rise in Washington D.C. as House Republicans face scrutiny over their decision to delay the swearing-in of new Democratic Representative Adelita Grijalva. This delay could significantly impact the release of critical files related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as her vote is essential for triggering the necessary legislation.
Grijalva, elected in September, has reported being in a political limbo, having heard “absolutely nothing” from House Speaker Mike Johnson regarding her swearing-in. This comes at a crucial time when two Republican lawmakers were recently sworn in within days, raising questions about the fairness of the process. Democrats accuse Johnson of intentionally stalling Grijalva’s entry to Congress due to her commitment to support a discharge petition aimed at releasing documents concerning Epstein.
On CNN’s The Source, anchor Kaitlan Collins confronted Republican Jim Jordan about the situation. Jordan attempted to frame the delay as a procedural issue linked to the ongoing government shutdown, stating, “Because they’re not in session… It’s typically done when we’re all there.” However, Collins pointed out that exceptions have been made in the past, such as the recent swearing-in of two Republican members during a pro forma session.
When asked if the delay was related to Grijalva potentially being the 218th signature needed for the Epstein files legislation, Jordan firmly denied the implication, insisting it was purely procedural. Speaker Johnson echoed this sentiment, stating the delay had “nothing to do with” the Epstein files and promised to schedule Grijalva’s swearing-in “as soon as she wants.”
This political maneuvering comes on the heels of ongoing scrutiny surrounding Epstein’s death in August 2019 and the subsequent controversies that have emerged. Grijalva succeeds her late father and is poised to represent Arizona in Congress, but her delayed swearing-in raises significant concerns about transparency and accountability regarding the Epstein files.
The White House has faced pressure as reports suggest that former President Donald Trump was informed in May about his connections to Epstein. Although Trump claimed their friendship ended in 2004, conspiracy theories about Epstein’s death continue to circulate, with many speculating it was a cover-up to protect influential figures.
As the situation unfolds, Grijalva’s swearing-in remains a pivotal moment that could reshape the legislative landscape and bring to light the Epstein documents that have long been shrouded in controversy. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops further, with implications reaching far beyond Capitol Hill.