URGENT UPDATE: Arizona’s Attorney General, Kris Mayes, has launched a lawsuit against the House of Representatives over Speaker Mike Johnson’s refusal to swear in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva. This legal action comes after Grijalva, who won a special election on September 23, 2023, is poised to play a crucial role in a petition to release files linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., demanding prompt action to swear in Grijalva, whose victory was significant as she seeks to fill the seat of her late father, Raul Grijalva. Despite her election, the House has not convened since September 19, when it passed a short-term funding measure amid an ongoing government shutdown.
Speaker Johnson has extended the House’s break, which was initially intended to last just a week, leading to increasing frustration among Democrats. In a striking comparison, they noted that two Republican representatives from Florida were sworn in just a day after their special elections during a pro forma session on April 2.
This delay holds significant implications. Grijalva’s swearing-in could be the decisive factor in the push for transparency regarding Epstein’s files, a matter of great public interest and concern. The ongoing government shutdown has only intensified the urgency for Grijalva’s immediate swearing-in.
Democrats are now calling for action during the brief pro forma sessions that have taken place since Grijalva’s election. Mayes’ lawsuit underscores the rising tensions within Congress as the House remains inactive, which critics argue undermines democratic processes.
As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes are on the House as it faces mounting pressure to act. The public’s demand for accountability related to Epstein’s case is at a fever pitch, and Grijalva’s potential role in this matter could drive significant political shifts.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it impacts not only Arizona politics but also national discussions surrounding transparency and accountability in government.
