CA, US & World
Speaker Mike Johnson Delays Swearing-In of Arizona Democrat Amid Government Shutdown Tensions
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is under scrutiny after walking back his pledge to swear in newly elected Arizona Democrat Adelita Grijalva “as soon as she wants.” Johnson now says the ceremony will not take place until Democrats agree to end the ongoing federal government shutdown.
“We will swear in Rep.-Elect Grijalva as soon as the House returns to session when Chuck Schumer, Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego decide to open up the government,” a House leadership aide said Tuesday.
The decision comes despite Johnson having sworn in other new members, including Florida Republicans Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine, during brief “pro forma” sessions earlier this year. Those short meetings typically occur when Congress is not conducting formal legislative business.
Johnson told CNN earlier Tuesday that the delay had “nothing to do” with politics or the push to vote on the release of Jeffrey Epstein case files, saying, “We’re in pro forma session because there is nothing for the House to do. The House has done its job.”
Still, Grijalva’s supporters and fellow Democrats argue that the delay disenfranchises Arizona voters. The congresswoman-elect, who won her special election two weeks ago, sent a letter to Johnson urging immediate action, saying the holdup “is robbing the people of Southern Arizona of essential constituent services.”
Democratic leaders have condemned the move. Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, the ranking Democrat on the House Rules Committee, called it “outrageous,” accusing Johnson of undermining democracy. “This is all about a continuation of the Epstein cover-up,” McGovern said Monday.
Grijalva is expected to provide the final signature needed on a petition to force a full House vote to release additional Epstein case materials — though Johnson insists the timing of her swearing-in is unrelated.
The controversy adds to mounting tensions on Capitol Hill, where the government shutdown has entered its second week with no agreement in sight.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
October 7, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
🧛♂️ The Count is in the Coachella Valley! Kevin Mann is back with a new Mann on the Aisle review teaser, taking a bite out of Dracula at Revolution Stage Company! 🩸🎭 Will this production leave him spellbound or thirsty for more? Stay tuned for the full review! #MannOnTheAisle #Dracula #RevolutionStageCompany #TheatreReview #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprings
Independent journalists and political operatives are churning out viral clips from the 2026 campaign trail. Sometimes, these clips are sorely out of context, yet they’re driving the midterms conversation. CNN’s Marshall Cohen dives into this phenomenon and speaks with a prominent clipper about the industry.
☕️ Social Time with Thal & Jerry. Do you celebrate your birthday anymore?
A highly anticipated hearing in the People vs. William Rodriguez case was postponed for a second time today after the prosecution used a legal move to request a new judge for the hearing. Today a judge was expected to rule whether or not to dismiss Rodriguez’s murder charge after he struck and killed 60 year old Christina Barrington in Cathedral City. Tune in to our 5,6 and 11 p.m newscasts as our @newsbyalondra has all the latest details.
🎭 Kevin Mann is back with “Mann on the Aisle,” reviewing Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at The Bent Theatre! 🐈🔥 How does this classic Tennessee Williams drama hold up on the local stage? Kevin shares his take on the performances, the production and what audiences can expect. Watch the latest review from NBC Palm Springs! #NBCPalmSprings #MannOnTheAisle #CatOnAHotTinRoof #TheaterReview #CoachellaValley #LocalTheater
🚧 Tropical Storm Rachel left its mark on Highway 111. Caltrans crews are working on a $4.2 million emergency repair project near North Shore after flooding and washouts damaged the roadway along the Salton Sea. Repairs are underway weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. between Crooker Drive and Vanderveer Road. There’s no word yet on when the work will be complete. #SaltonSea #Highway111 #TropicalStormRachel #Caltrans #CoachellaValley
☕️ Social Time: dressing up for Halloween this year? If so, what’s your costume?
More than 1,000 runners and walkers took on the “World’s Toughest 6K” at the 39th annual Palm Springs Aerial Tram Road Challenge! 🏃♀️🏃♂️ Cathedral City’s Amelio Chio claimed the overall win in 28:08, while Jade Belzberg took first place in the women’s division with a time of 30:42. Local athletes from across the Coachella Valley also made their mark on the challenging course! #PalmSprings #TramRoadChallenge #CoachellaValley #Running #RoadRace NBCPalmSprings
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Damian Walls extending the play for the TD, 2) Aiden Pope with the 100 yard pick-six, 3) Adam Tremper breaking tackles for the TD, 4) Trey Boulton snagging the contested catch, or 5) Devin Session with the TD throw on the run #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball
We’re in Palm Desert this morning as demonstrators gather for the No Kings rally, joining a nationwide day of protests and calls for political accountability. We’re talking with people at the rally about why they’re here and what they hope their voices will accomplish. Events are taking place across the country, with organizers also encouraging voter participation ahead of the election. Follow NBC Palm Springs for more voices and scenes from today’s rally. #NBCPalmSprings #PalmDesert #NoKings #CoachellaValley #Protest CommunityVoices