218th Vote Blocked: Epstein Files Hang in Balance
Adelita Grijalva, left, with others. Photo courtesy of the Office of Rep. Raul M. Grijalva. Public domain.
Mike Johnson is facing a firestorm of criticism for holding up the swearing-in of Arizona's newly elected Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva, a move that critics say is designed to block her from signing a discharge petition that would force a vote on releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files. The drama unfolding in Washington has all the hallmarks of a high-stakes political standoff, with one vote holding the power to unlock explosive documents tied to the disgraced financier.
A Seat Left Empty, a Vote Waiting to Happen
Adelita Grijalva, 54, who won a special election to fill the seat left vacant by her late father Raul Grijalva, has been waiting weeks to be sworn in. Despite her victory by a wide margin, she remains in limbo, unable to officially take her seat in the House of Representatives. The delay has sparked outrage among Democrats and Arizona officials, who accuse House Speaker Mike Johnson of deliberately stalling the process to prevent her from becoming the 218th signature on a petition that would force a vote on the release of the Epstein files.
According to Newsweek, Grijalva expressed frustration, saying she cannot get to work and that the delay leaves her constituents without representation during critical federal budget negotiations. She pointed out that two Florida Republicans were sworn in during pro forma sessions less than 24 hours after their elections earlier this year, raising questions about the political motivations behind her treatment.
The Epstein Files: The Power of One Vote
The discharge petition at the center of this standoff is a rare legislative tool that requires 218 signatures to force a vote on a bill. The petition, filed by Republican Thomas Massie and Democrat Ro Khanna, would compel the Justice Department to release thousands of pages of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein within 30 days. With 217 signatures already secured, Grijalva's signature would tip the balance and trigger the vote.
The Epstein files have been a source of controversy for years. Epstein died by suicide in jail while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, but conspiracy theories and allegations of a cover-up involving powerful figures have persisted. President Donald Trump has dismissed the push to release the files as a "Democrat hoax," while some of his MAGA allies have expressed concern about what the documents might reveal, as reported by Newsweek.
Legal Threats and Political Pressure
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has escalated the conflict by threatening legal action against Johnson if he does not swear in Grijalva promptly. According to The Independent, in a letter to the speaker, Mayes accused him of using Arizona's constitutional right to representation as a bargaining chip and demanded a response within two days. She argued that the delay violates the rights of Arizona residents and the Constitution itself.
Mayes told CNN she would have "no other choice" but to take Johnson to court if he continues to withhold Grijalva's swearing-in, as reported by The Independent. She described the situation as unprecedented and said the case law supports forcing the speaker to seat the Congresswoman-elect. Mayes also suggested that Johnson's hesitation is linked to Grijalva's potential to be the final vote needed to release the Epstein files.
Johnson's Defense and the Government Shutdown
Johnson has maintained that he will swear in Grijalva once the House returns to session after the ongoing government shutdown ends, as reported by The Independent. He insists the delay is not politically motivated and points to the suspension of legislative business as the reason for the hold-up. Johnson has said the House will follow customary practice and administer the oath when it is back in session.
However, critics note that the House did hold a brief procedural session recently, during which Johnson swore in two Florida Republicans who won special elections. Grijalva attended that session, hoping to be sworn in, but was left waiting. She questioned why she was not sworn in at the same pace as those Republicans, highlighting the inconsistency, as reported by The Guardian.
Internal GOP Tensions Over Transparency
The standoff also reveals tensions within the Republican Party. Johnson reportedly clashed with Rep. Thomas Massie, the Republican who co-sponsored the bipartisan bill to release the Epstein files. Johnson has urged Republicans not to support the petition, signaling party leadership's resistance to transparency efforts related to Epstein, as reported by Newsweek.
This internal pushback reflects a broader pattern of stalling. Johnson's decision to abruptly recess the House and resist the Massie/Khanna petition fits into a strategy to delay or block the release of sensitive information. The Epstein files represent a political hot potato, and Johnson's actions suggest a calculated effort to keep the lid on the controversy.
What's Next for Grijalva and Arizona?
With the government shutdown dragging on and no clear end in sight, Grijalva's swearing-in remains in limbo. She has protested publicly, recording a video outside Johnson's office and reporting support from the House Women's Caucus. Despite finally receiving the keys to her Capitol Hill office, she found it was just an empty space without phone, computer, or internet access, compounding her frustration, as reported by The Independent.
Arizona's Attorney General is preparing to take legal action, and the case could set a precedent for how quickly representatives-elect must be seated, especially during unusual circumstances like a government shutdown. The outcome will have implications not only for Arizona but for the balance of power in the House and the fate of the Epstein files.
For now, the standoff continues, with one vote holding the key to a potentially explosive chapter in American political history.
References: Mike Johnson Accused of Delaying Democrat's Swearing In to Avoid Epstein Vote | Arizona says it will sue Mike Johnson if he does not swear in new rep - and likely trigger the release of the Epstein files | Mike Johnson hasn't sworn in this new Democrat. Is it because she wants to release the Epstein files? | US politics
