Introduction to the Controversy
Last month, in a special election, voters in southern Arizona chose Adelita Grijalva to succeed her late father in Congress. The outcome in the solidly Democratic district was never in doubt. The final tally wasn’t remotely close. Grijalva, a Tucson native and former Pima County supervisor, crushed her Republican opponent, 69% to 29%.
The Unexpected Delay
The people spoke, loudly and emphatically, and normally that would have been that. Grijalva would have assumed office by now, allowing her to serve her orphaned constituents by filling a House seat that’s been vacant since her father died in March, after representing portions of Arizona for more than 20 years. But these are not normal times. These are times when everything, including the time of day and state of the weather, has become politically charged. And so Grijalva is residing in limbo. Or, rather, at her campaign headquarters in Tucson, since she’s been locked out of her congressional office on Capitol Hill — the one her father used, which now has her name on a plaque outside. She’s been denied entry by Speaker Mike Johnson.
Constituents Left Hanging
“It’s pretty horrible,” Grijalva said in an interview, “because regardless of whether I have an official office or not, constituents elected me and people are reaching out to me through every social media outlet. “‘I have a question,’” they tell Grijalva, or “‘I’m afraid I’m going to get fired’ or ‘We need some sort of assistance.’” All she can do is refer them to Arizona’s two U.S. senators. House members are scattered across the country during the partial government shutdown and Johnson said he can’t possibly administer the oath of office to Grijalva during a pro forma session, a time when normal business — legislative debate, roll call votes — is not being conducted. “We have to have everybody here,” Johnson said, “and we’ll swear her in.”
Inconsistencies in Application of Rules
But, lo, dear reader, are you sitting down? It turns out there were two Republican lawmakers elected this year in special elections, each, as it happens from Florida. Both were sworn in the very next day … during pro forma sessions! Shocked? Don’t be. In the Trump era, rules and standards are applied in flagrantly different ways, depending on which political party is involved.
The Epstein Connection
But partisanship aside, what possible reason would Johnson have to stall Grijalva’s swearing-in? Here’s a clue: It involves a convicted sex trafficker and former buddy of President Trump, whose foul odor trails him like the reeking carcass of a beached whale. Yes, it’s the late Jeffrey Epstein! “On my very first day in Congress, I’ll sign the bipartisan discharge petition to force a vote on releasing the Epstein files,” Grijalva said on the eve of her landslide election. “This is as much about fulfilling Congress’ duty as a constitutional check on this administration as it is about demanding justice for survivors.”
The Epstein Files and Political Maneuvering
Jeffrey Epstein. Gone but very much unforgotten. For years, his perversions have been an obsession among those, mainly on the right, who believe a “deep state” cover-up has protected the rich and powerful who partnered with women procured by Epstein. After Trump’s marionette attorney general, Pam Bondi, suggested a client list was sitting on her desk, awaiting release, the Justice Department abruptly reversed course. There was no such list, it announced, and Epstein definitely committed suicide and wasn’t, as the conspiracy-minded suggest, murdered by those wishing to silence him. Trump, who palled around with Epstein, urged everyone to move along. Naturally, Johnson fell into immediate lockstep.
Bipartisan Effort for Transparency
Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, a GOP lawmaker and persistent Trump irritant, and Democratic California Rep. Ro Khanna have led the bipartisan effort to force the Justice Department to cough up the government’s unclassified records related to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, his former girlfriend and fellow sex trafficker. The discharge petition, overriding the objections of Trump and Johnson and forcing the House to vote on release of the files, needs at least 218 signatures, which constitutes a majority of the 435 members. The petition has been stalled for weeks, just one signature shy of ratification. Enter Grijalva. Or not. Johnson, who may be simply delaying an inevitable House vote to curry Trump’s favor, insists the Epstein matter has “nothing to do with” his refusal to seat Grivalja.
Conclusion
The delay in swearing in Adelita Grijalva is a clear example of how politics can interfere with the democratic process. The involvement of the Epstein case and the desire to protect certain individuals from scrutiny have led to a situation where a duly elected representative is being denied the opportunity to serve her constituents. It is essential for the integrity of the democratic system that such maneuvers are exposed and that transparency and accountability are upheld.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Adelita Grijalva not being sworn in despite winning her election?
A: The Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, claims it is due to the partial government shutdown and the need for a full session to administer the oath. However, this reasoning is questionable given that two Republican lawmakers were sworn in during pro forma sessions.
Q: What is the significance of the Epstein files in this context?
A: Grijalva has expressed her intention to sign a bipartisan discharge petition to force a vote on releasing the Epstein files, which is seen as a move to demand justice for the survivors of Epstein’s crimes and to hold accountable those who may have enabled him.
Q: Is there a partisan aspect to the delay in Grijalva’s swearing-in?
A: Yes, the application of rules and standards appears to be inconsistent, with Republican lawmakers being sworn in under similar circumstances without delay. This suggests a partisan motive behind the delay.
Q: What is the current status of the discharge petition regarding the Epstein files?
A: The petition needs 218 signatures to force a House vote and is currently just one signature shy of this requirement. The delay in Grijalva’s swearing-in may be related to preventing her from fulfilling her pledge to sign this petition.
