Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is refusing to swear in a new Democratic representative until the Democrats vote to end the government shutdown, backtracking on a prior commitment and drawing the anger of the party in Washington.
Johnson previously told CNN on Tuesday that he would swear in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, D-Ariz. “as soon as she wants.”
The Arizona-rep-to-be won a special election on September 23, winning the seat held by her late father, Raul Grijalva. Grijalva has yet to be sworn in.
However, a leadership aide for Johnson contradicted the statement later in the day, saying it was “customary practice” to swear in newly elected representatives when Congress is in session.
Related
“We will swear in Rep.-Elect Grijalva as soon as the House returns to session when Chuck Schume