"Delay Over, Grijalva Assumes Role as Congresswoman After 7-Week Wait"
Democratic Representative Adelita Grijalva of Arizona has finally taken the oath of office, ending a seven-week delay that left her without a budget and unable to hire staff or open up her offices. The wait was attributed to House Speaker Mike Johnson's refusal to seat her, citing a need for the House to return from recess before she could be sworn in.
Grijalva described the experience as "an injustice" for the 813,000 people in southern Arizona who were denied representation due to an obstruction by one person. She criticized Johnson for using the delay as a pretext to prevent her from being seated, suggesting that he was trying to prevent the release of sensitive files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The delay has been met with criticism from Democrats and a lawsuit filed by the Arizona attorney general. Grijalva's swearing-in came after a mock ceremony in which Johnson attempted to smooth things over with her.
Despite the rocky start, Grijalva is now poised to become an advocate for justice for survivors of Epstein's abuse. She quickly signed off on a discharge petition that aims to force the Department of Justice to release all files related to the case.
Grijalva's election was seen as a significant milestone for the Democratic Party, marking the first time a Latina has represented Arizona's seventh congressional district. The seat was previously held by her late father, Rep. Raul Grijalva, who served in Congress for over two decades.
As she begins her new role, Grijalva is determined to make a difference and push for an annual budget that will provide stability for the federal government. She reflected on the support of her late father, saying he would be proud of her efforts to carry on his legacy.
Democratic Representative Adelita Grijalva of Arizona has finally taken the oath of office, ending a seven-week delay that left her without a budget and unable to hire staff or open up her offices. The wait was attributed to House Speaker Mike Johnson's refusal to seat her, citing a need for the House to return from recess before she could be sworn in.
Grijalva described the experience as "an injustice" for the 813,000 people in southern Arizona who were denied representation due to an obstruction by one person. She criticized Johnson for using the delay as a pretext to prevent her from being seated, suggesting that he was trying to prevent the release of sensitive files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The delay has been met with criticism from Democrats and a lawsuit filed by the Arizona attorney general. Grijalva's swearing-in came after a mock ceremony in which Johnson attempted to smooth things over with her.
Despite the rocky start, Grijalva is now poised to become an advocate for justice for survivors of Epstein's abuse. She quickly signed off on a discharge petition that aims to force the Department of Justice to release all files related to the case.
Grijalva's election was seen as a significant milestone for the Democratic Party, marking the first time a Latina has represented Arizona's seventh congressional district. The seat was previously held by her late father, Rep. Raul Grijalva, who served in Congress for over two decades.
As she begins her new role, Grijalva is determined to make a difference and push for an annual budget that will provide stability for the federal government. She reflected on the support of her late father, saying he would be proud of her efforts to carry on his legacy.