The ongoing delay in swearing in Rep.-Elect Adelita Grijalva has raised eyebrows and ignited speculation among Democrats and political watchers alike. Speaker Mike Johnson’s decision to keep Grijalva waiting has led to whispers that something underhanded might be afoot.
Among the Democratic ranks, concerns are mounting that this unusual hold-up is linked to the White House’s dissatisfaction with the pursuit of the Epstein files discharge petition currently under discussion in the House.
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While Speaker Johnson appears to have devised a strategy to undermine the discharge petition by proposing modifications to House rules, there is conjecture that delaying Grijalva’s swearing-in would provide him the necessary leverage to amass votes for changing these rules, particularly regarding raising the signature threshold for such petitions to make it to the floor. This ongoing speculation is often tied back to the contentious Epstein files.
In an attempt to get to the bottom of this, Democratic Senators Mark Kelly and Reuben Gallego took the initiative to directly address Speaker Johnson during a recent press conference.
Gallego wasted no time and pointedly questioned Johnson about the prolonged delay in Grijalva’s swearing-in.
Johnson’s response was straightforward; he implied that the seat would remain unfilled until Senate Democrats align behind his Continuing Resolution, emphasizing the urgency, āReopen the government so we can get back to work.ā
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