Speaker Johnson delays swearing in Democrat Adelita Grijalva until full session, sparking political debate.

Speaker Mike Johnson is delaying the swearing-in of newly elected Democratic congresswoman Adelita Grijalva until the House returns to full session, despite earlier promises to seat her promptly. The delay, tied to the chamber’s return to legislative business, has raised questions, given Johnson previously swore in Republican colleagues during brief pro forma sessions. Grijalva, who won a special election in September, seeks to advance a petition for a full House vote on releasing materials related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Democrats, including Rep. Jim McGovern, accuse Johnson of using procedural power politically, while Johnson denies any connection to the Epstein issue, calling the swearing-in a “ceremonial duty” dependent on the House being in session.