WASHINGTON – After finally being sworn in by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.) immediately added her signature to the “discharge petition” that could force a House vote on releasing the notorious “Epstein files.”
Grijalva added her signature after gesturing to survivors of the late sex predator’s abuse, who were watching from a gallery in the House chamber.
“It’s past time for Congress to restore its role as a check and balance on this administration and fight for we, the American people,” Grijalva said shortly before signing the petition. “That is why I will sign the discharge petition right now to release the Epstein files. Justice cannot wait another day.”
The signing had been delayed for weeks as Johnson held the House out of session during the government shutdown, preventing Grijalva from being sworn in.
The discharge petition process allows regular House members to bring bills to the floor over the opposition of House leadership. Grijalva adding the final 218th signature sets up a long-awaited showdown that will greatly annoy President Donald Trump.
