UPDATE: Tensions are escalating in Congress as Rep. Jim Jordan faces intense scrutiny over delays in swearing in newly elected Rep. Adelita Grijalva. This delay could significantly impact the imminent release of files related to the notorious financier Jeffrey Epstein. Grijalva’s election victory in September has left her in political limbo, with her crucial vote potentially tipping the scales by providing the 218th signature needed for a discharge petition aimed at forcing the Justice Department to release Epstein-related documents.
Earlier today, during a segment on CNN’s The Source, host Kaitlan Collins grilled Jordan, leaving him visibly flustered. Grijalva has publicly stated that she has received “absolutely nothing” from House Speaker Mike Johnson regarding her swearing-in, despite two Republican lawmakers being sworn in within days, raising suspicions about the motives behind the delay.
Democrats are accusing Johnson of stalling Grijalva’s swearing-in to prevent her from signing the discharge petition, a claim Johnson vehemently denies. He insists that the delay is purely procedural, citing the ongoing government shutdown and the House being in a “pro forma” session. However, Collins countered with evidence of previous exceptions where lawmakers were sworn in during similar sessions, notably Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine.
Jordan argued that the traditional process requires new members to be sworn in front of the full House, adding, “It’s always been done that way.” However, when pressed, he seemed caught off guard by the exceptions Collins presented.
“Do you think it has anything to do with the discharge petition and that she could be the 218th signature for the Jeffrey Epstein files?” Collins asked directly. Jordan dismissed this suggestion, reiterating the focus should be on funding the government.
On Capitol Hill, Johnson reiterated that the delay is unrelated to the Epstein files, insisting, “We will swear her in when everybody gets back.” This statement has done little to quell the growing frustration among Democratic lawmakers. Grijalva, who takes over for her late father, Raúl Grijalva, as a Congresswoman from Arizona, is poised to make a significant impact with her vote.
The stakes are high as the White House is under pressure following reports that former President Donald Trump was informed about his ties to Epstein back in May. Despite once having a friendship with Epstein, Trump has distanced himself, claiming their relationship ended in 2004. The Trump administration previously declassified files related to Epstein but many were heavily redacted, leaving the public with more questions than answers.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on Congress, where the outcome could have profound implications for the Justice Department’s release of Epstein-related materials. The sense of urgency grows as Grijalva’s swearing-in remains uncertain, with many questioning whether political maneuvering is obstructing transparency.
Next steps: Watch for Grijalva’s swearing-in date and any developments on the discharge petition that could lead to the exposure of critical Epstein files. Public interest is at a peak, and the political ramifications could be monumental.
