1. United States
2. Idaho
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern and outrage over Speaker Mike Johnson's refusal to swear in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, who won a special election over three weeks ago. This action is not only a clear violation of democratic principles but also potentially unconstitutional. Rep.-elect Grijalva was duly elected by the people of her district to succeed her late father, Raúl Grijalva. The will of the voters is being blatantly disregarded, and this delay in her swearing-in is an abuse of power that undermines the very foundations of our representative democracy. Speaker Johnson's dismissal of legal threats from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes as a "publicity stunt" is deeply troubling. His plan to delay the swearing-in until the House returns from its extended recess - contingent on Senate Democrats supporting legislation to end the government shutdown - is an unacceptable politicization of what should be a straightforward constitutional process. The House has not taken a floor vote in nearly a month, which is a dereliction of duty in itself. Now, by refusing to seat a duly elected representative, Speaker Johnson is effectively disenfranchising an entire congressional district and denying them their rightful representation in Congress. I urge you to take immediate action to ensure that Rep.-elect Grijalva is sworn in during the upcoming pro forma session. The Constitution and the principles of our democracy demand nothing less. Any further delay is not only unjustifiable but also sets a dangerous precedent that could be used to subvert election results in the future. This is not a partisan issue; it is a matter of upholding the Constitution and respecting the will of the voters. I implore you to stand up for democratic principles and the rule of law by insisting on the immediate swearing-in of Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva. The integrity of our electoral system and the faith of the American people in their government are at stake.