Following the Senate-passed funding bill to open the government, Speaker Mike Johnson announced he will swear in Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva after a record-long delay.
During a conference call on Monday, Johnson discussed the timeline for chamber members to return to D.C. and stated he would swear in Grijalva, whose swearing-in has been pending since her election.
Grijalva won her special election on September 23, four days after the House recessed for the session. Because the House was not in session, she could not be sworn in, meaning she has been unable to participate in congressional votes or officially represent her district despite being elected and certified.
She posted an update on X, saying she expects to be sworn in this week, noting, "After 7 weeks of waiting, I almost can't believe it's true."
Grijalva’s Concern
Representing Arizona's 7th Congressional District, which serves 813,000 people, Grijalva expressed concern about the situation. She stated, "This can never happen again to another member elect that is waiting in the wings because someone doesn't want to do their job," and criticized what she characterized as "playing politics."
Johnson has maintained that Grijalva would be sworn in once the government reopens. Following her swearing-in, the House is expected to vote on the Senate deal.
Grijalva expressed concern that her first votes will be on legislation she believes "does nothing for affordable healthcare for the American people."
Following the swearing-in, Grijalva plans to begin her work representing her district in Congress.
