House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has called out GOP leaders for their refusal to seat a newly elected Democrat, stating that this delay is depriving hundreds of thousands of Americans of their voice in Washington. In a press conference on Tuesday, Jeffries expressed his disappointment and frustration with the actions of Republican leaders, specifically targeting Rep. Mike Johnson for his refusal to swear in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva.
“It’s a disgrace that Mike Johnson and Republicans continue to refuse to swear in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva,” Jeffries stated. “This delay is not only disrespectful to the democratic process, but it is also denying the people of Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District their rightful representation in Congress.”
Rep.-elect Grijalva, who won her election in November, has yet to be sworn in due to the ongoing dispute between Johnson and Democratic leaders. Johnson, who is the ranking member of the House Administration Committee, has refused to seat Grijalva until an investigation into alleged voting irregularities in her district is completed.
However, Jeffries argues that this delay is unnecessary and is only causing harm to the constituents of Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District. “There is no evidence of any wrongdoing in the election, and yet Rep.-elect Grijalva is being denied her seat in Congress,” he stated. “This is a clear violation of the democratic process and is a disservice to the American people.”
Jeffries also highlighted the fact that this delay is not only affecting the people of Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District, but it is also impacting the entire country. “Every day that Rep.-elect Grijalva is not seated, hundreds of thousands of Americans are being deprived of their voice in Washington,” he said. “This is unacceptable and must be rectified immediately.”
The House Minority Leader also pointed out the hypocrisy of Republican leaders, who have previously criticized Democrats for not accepting the results of the 2016 presidential election. “It is ironic that the same party who has accused Democrats of not accepting election results is now refusing to seat a duly elected representative,” Jeffries stated. “This is a blatant disregard for the will of the people and goes against the very principles of our democracy.”
Jeffries urged Republican leaders to put aside their partisan differences and do what is right for the American people. “It’s time for Rep. Johnson and his fellow Republicans to stop playing political games and do their job,” he said. “The people of Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District deserve to have their representative seated in Congress, and it’s time for that to happen.”
In conclusion, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has strongly condemned the actions of GOP leaders for their refusal to seat Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva. He has called for an immediate resolution to this issue, stating that every day that passes without Grijalva being sworn in is a disservice to the American people. Jeffries has urged Republican leaders to prioritize the democratic process and ensure that the voice of the people is heard in Washington.
