UPDATE: Arizona Congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva is on the verge of being sworn into the House of Representatives, with her official induction anticipated as early as Wednesday, November 1, 2023. This comes more than seven weeks after her special election victory to replace her late father.
The urgency surrounding her swearing-in stems from the ongoing discussions about the release of crucial documents related to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. House Speaker Mike Johnson had previously stalled the process, refusing to swear in Grijalva until the resolution of the government shutdown. However, with a bipartisan deal to fund the government now in the works, the House is set to reconvene, making Grijalva’s vote critical.
Grijalva’s presence in the House could tip the balance, potentially enabling the passage of a discharge petition necessary to force a vote on the Epstein files. Currently, Democrats have only 217 members willing to sign the petition, including four Republicans. A total of 218 signatures is required to bring the matter to the floor for a vote.
The House has not been fully operational since September 19, 2023, conducting only pro forma sessions where no official votes have been taken. The resumption of legislative business marks a pivotal moment, as the chamber gears up to address pressing issues, including the Epstein files.
What Happens Next: Once Grijalva is sworn in, her first votes could significantly influence the outcome of the discharge petition. This move could also pave the way for the Justice Department to release the Epstein investigation files that have been under scrutiny.
As developments unfold, the stakes remain high, not only for Grijalva and her constituents but also for the broader implications regarding transparency in the Epstein case. Stay tuned for live updates as the situation continues to evolve.
