Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Wednesday November 12, Speaker Johnson finally swore in Representative Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07)—50 days after her constituents elected her to Congress. Her swearing-in marks a pivotal moment for the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC), which is now a historic 97 members strong. Upon her swearing in, Rep. Grijalva immediately signed the discharge petition to release the Epstein files, which now has the necessary 218 signatures to move to a vote on the House floor in the coming weeks. 

DWC member Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07) made the following remarks as part of her swearing in speech:

“Thank you to la gente of Southern Arizona. For making history, electing me as the first Latina— the first Chicana—from Arizona ever to go to Congress. Este momento es histórico para nuestra comunidad. Es un honor ser la primera latina en representar Arizona en el Congreso, y les aseguro que aunque soy la primera, no seré la última. And while we celebrate this moment, today our American promise is under serious threat. Basic freedoms are under attack. Healthcare premiums are skyrocketing. Babies are being ripped away from their parents by masked agents.  We can and must do better. What is most concerning is not what this administration has done, but what the majority in this body has failed to do: hold Trump accountable as the co-equal branch of government that we are… 

Our democracy only works when everyone has a voice. This includes the millions of people across the country who have experienced violence and exploitation—including Liz Stein and Jessica Michaels, both survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse. They are here in the gallery with us this evening. Just this morning, House Democrats released more emails showing that Trump knew more about Epstein’s abuses than he’s previously acknowledged. It’s past time for Congress to restore its role as a check and balance on this administration and fight for the American people… That is why I will sign the discharge petition right now to release the Epstein files, because justice cannot wait another day. Adelante mi gente. Muchas Gracias!”

DWC Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) followed those fierce words with this statement: 

“Today, Speaker Johnson finally did his job and swore in Rep. Adelita Grijalva, restoring representation to Arizona’s Seventh District after 50 days. Rep. Grijalva is a fierce champion for women and families in her district and across the country. Her expertise, especially as an education advocate, is already an asset to the DWC. Rep. Grijalva fought for investments in public schools in overlooked communities, defended Mexican-American Studies and bilingual curriculum, and started Pima County’s first free preschool program. 

Rep. Grijalva is also a fierce supporter of justice and survivors. We applaud her immediate action to sign our legislative effort to release the Epstein files, which we now know Trump is in, thanks to the efforts of Oversight Democrats. Speaker Johnson has protected pedophiles by delaying this vote for far too long. He must hold the vote as soon as possible so we can find out who participated, who benefited, and where the money flowed—even and especially if it includes the President. Epstein’s survivors and their loved ones deserve a chance at justice and the freedom to move on. Strengthened by our newest hermana, the DWC will continue the fight for survivors, for justice, and for every woman and family across America.” 

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