I took a new oath arizona Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva Democratic PartyHe arrived at Congress on Wednesday with a message sharpened by grief. political There was obstruction, and the district was unable to speak up. LGBTQ+ Rights, democratic responsibilities and fundamental civil liberties are non-negotiable.
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Grijalva is the first Latina and Chicana to represent Arizona, winning a special election in September following the death of her father, longtime Congressman Raul Grijalva, in March. What was supposed to be a quick transition turned into a 50-day stalemate. republican party House Speaker Mike Johnson declined to schedule the customary swearing-in. Grijalva noted that the delay effectively froze voter services for more than 800,000 Arizonans.
Related: Democrat Adelita Grijalva is fighting to take office despite Speaker Mike Johnson refusing to take the oath of office.
“This is an abuse of power,” Grijalva said in a powerful inaugural address, warning that no human rights violations would be tolerated. Member of Parliament It should be possible to block duly elected members for political reasons. “Our democracy only works if everyone has a voice.”
Her remarks were part personal reflection, part indictment of Congressional inertia, and captured a political moment in which civil rights are increasingly shaped by executive power, state-level restrictions, and a growing cultural backlash. Grijalva argued that while extremism is surging outside the chamber, the real danger stems from Congress’ inaction.
“Our American promise is under serious threat,” she said, outlining Democratic challenges that she believes the House majority has abandoned, including protecting immigrant families and addressing rising immigration. health care Costs, Respect for Tribal Sovereignty, and Protection of Citizens educationchampioning veterans and “standing up for LGBTQ+ rights because that’s what the American people expect of us: to fight for them.”
Related: Queer former Marine Corps Drill Instructor tells Arizona State Legislature about leadership and Netflix’s ‘Boots’
Her speech also highlighted a new political storm brewing in the House: newly released emails revealed by the president. donald trump Two of Epstein’s survivors, Elizabeth Stein and Jess Michaels, watched from the gallery as Ms. Grijalva announced that she would immediately sign a release petition to force the release of all of Epstein’s files.
The Trump administration is fighting to prevent the release, even holding talks with the United States. colorado Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert persuaded the White House Situation Room to withdraw support for the bill. It didn’t work. With Grijalva’s signature, the signatories forced Johnson’s hand, demanding that he schedule a vote.
“Justice cannot wait another day,” Grijalva said.
Source: Advocate.com – www.advocate.com
