Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva remains unseated as Speaker Mike Johnson keeps the House out of session amid a government funding dispute. The Arizona Democrat won her late father's congressional seat last month but cannot access her office or serve constituents without being sworn in. Johnson claims standard practice requires the full chamber to convene before seating new members, yet he administered oaths to two Republicans earlier this year when the House was not in legislative session.
Democrats accuse Johnson of stalling because Grijalva pledged to sign a discharge petition that would force a vote on releasing Justice Department files about Jeffrey Epstein. The bipartisan measure needs 218 signatures to succeed, and Grijalva would become the 218th signer. White House officials have reportedly pressured three Republican women who signed the petition to withdraw their support. Grijalva must wait in a temporary conference room while her nameplate hangs outside a locked office she cannot enter.
Democrats accuse Johnson of stalling because Grijalva pledged to sign a discharge petition that would force a vote on releasing Justice Department files about Jeffrey Epstein. The bipartisan measure needs 218 signatures to succeed, and Grijalva would become the 218th signer. White House officials have reportedly pressured three Republican women who signed the petition to withdraw their support. Grijalva must wait in a temporary conference room while her nameplate hangs outside a locked office she cannot enter.
