2:36House Speaker Mike Johnson delivers remarks during a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, October 20, 2025. Al Drago/Reuters
House Speaker Mike Johnson is resisting demands to inaugurate Democratic Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, stating on Monday that he will conduct the swearing-in ceremony for her following the Senate’s vote to reinstate government operations.
As Democrats voice displeasure over the nearly month-long postponement, Johnson has asserted that he is "adhering to the Pelosi precedent" — referring to when three Republicans, having secured wins in special elections during a recess, awaited the House’s return to session before then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi administered their oaths of office.
Grijalva prevailed in her special election on Sept. 23 — a mere four days after Johnson adjourned lawmakers post the House’s approval of the straightforward continuing resolution intended to finance the government. Subsequent to the last House vote, Republicans have called off 14 days of legislative affairs — including four days this week — as the deadlock persists.
"Rep. Grijalva emerged victorious in her contest, I believe, in the closing week of September, subsequent to our adjournment, thus I intend to administer the oath to her, ideally on the initial day we reconvene [to] legislative session," Johnson expressed during a Monday press briefing. "I stand ready and eager to proceed with that."
House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks during a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, October 20, 2025.Al Drago/Reuters
While the matter has trailed the speaker throughout the shutdown episode, Johnson has discounted the delay, negating that his action bears relation to Grijalva's intention to furnish the 218th endorsement on a discharge petition aimed at compelling a vote to disclose the Department of Justice's exhaustive Jeffrey Epstein file.
"Instead of producing TikTok videos, she ought to be attending to her constituents. She could be receiving their calls. She could be guiding them, endeavoring to aid them through the predicament that the Democrats have engendered … by halting government operations," Johnson remarked.
Democratic Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva attends a press event highlighting her delayed swearing in at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, October 15, 2025.Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters
Last week, Grijalva refuted Johnson's claim that she retains the ability to represent her constituency amidst her wait to be sworn into office, asserting that she is unable to perform essential duties of her position until she is seated.
"We lack entry to official government email, casework systems, and supplementary fundamental infrastructure. Moreover, we cannot finalize any lease agreements for local offices to render constituent services," Grijalva detailed in a written statement to ABC News this past Friday. "He is providing in fragments the most elemental instruments of an operational office — delivering me the keys to an automobile devoid of an engine, tires, and fuel. All of this could reach resolution if he simply executed his responsibilities, swore me in, and ceased shielding pedophiles. I am unable to fulfill my role until he discharges his."
On Monday, Johnson shifted responsibility onto House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to impart to his new members "guidance and direction" on initiating their office’s activities.
"That communication was conspicuously absent," Johnson noted. "I remain uncertain as to whether the Democrat leader's office neglected to apprise her of that, however, I gleaned this morning that the individual overseeing that office and the chief administrative office is on temporary leave due to their vote to halt government operations, thus that individual did not extend an affirmative outreach, though the matter has now been addressed, and I am informed that they are dispatching personnel to her office presently."
During ABC News' "This Week" broadcast, co-anchor Jonathan Karl challenged Johnson regarding the House's inability to reconvene to undertake routine affairs independent of any shutdown-related engagements.
"I am unwilling to permit our return and participation in any undertaking until the government reopens, contingent upon the Democrats acting in accordance with the best interests of the populace," Johnson conveyed to Karl.
When queried about when Johnson intended to swear in Grijalva, the speaker informed Karl, "The instant we resume legislative session, when Chuck Schumer grants us authorization to reactivate the lights."
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
