Representative Adelita Grijalva Sworn in to United State House of Representatives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, November 12
Contact: grijalvapress@gmail.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Today, Representative Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07) was officially sworn in to the United States House of Representatives, becoming the first Latina ever to represent the State of Arizona.

Following her swearing-in, Representative Grijalva addressed the House floor, reflecting on her family’s journey and the historic nature of the moment.

“I rise today, the proud granddaughter of a bracero – a hard-working Mexican immigrant who came to this country with hope for a better life,” said Rep. Grijalva. “And I stand as the proud daughter of a U.S. Congressman – a man who spent his entire life fighting for justice, equity, and dignity for the most vulnerable. From working as a vaquero, to serving in Congress in just a single generation – that is the promise of this country.”

Acknowledging the historic nature of her election as the first Latina to represent Arizona, she also offered remarks in Spanish on the House floor.

“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.”

Grijalva noted that her swearing-in brings an end to fifty days in which 813,000 Arizonans were silenced and denied basic representation in Congress. She called for action to prevent this from happening again.

“It has been fifty days since the people of Arizona’s Seventh Congressional District elected me to represent them. 50 days that over 800,000 Arizonans have been left without access to the basic services that every constituent deserves. This is an abuse of power. One individual should not be able to unilaterally obstruct the swearing-in of a duly elected Member of Congress for political reasons.”

In her remarks, Grijalva called attention to the need for Congress to restore its power as a check and balance on the executive branch.

“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 coequal branch of government that we are.”

Immediately after being sworn in, Grijalva signed the discharge petition to release the Jeffrey Epstein files, becoming the 218th and decisive signature to force a floor vote. She was joined by Epstein survivors Liz Stein and Jessica Michaels in the house gallery.

“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.”

Additionally, she will be signing other discharge petitions to rein in the Trump Administration’s overreach:

Discharge Petition No. 2 the Taxpayer Data Protection Act.

Discharge Petition No. 3 the Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act.

Discharge Petition No. 4 to terminate President Trump's use of national emergency authority to impose tariffs on Canada.

Discharge Petition No. 5 to terminate President Trump's use of national emergency authority to impose tariffs on Mexico

Discharge Petition No. 6 the Protect America's Workforce Act.

Discharge Petition No. 7 to terminate President Trump's use of national emergency authority to impose “Liberation Day” tariffs.

Discharge Petition No. 8 to authorize support for Ukraine

Discharge Petition No. 9 to make publicly available records related to Jeffrey Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell.

Her full remarks are copied below:

Thank you to my colleague and friend, Congressman Stanton, for that kind introduction — and to the entire democratic delegation from Arizona that has supported me throughout this process.

I rise today, the proud granddaughter of a bracero – a hard-working Mexican immigrant who came to this country with hope for a better life.

And I stand as the proud daughter of a U.S. Congressman – a man who spent his entire life fighting for justice, equity, and dignity for the most vulnerable.

From working as a vaquero, to serving in Congress in just a single generation – that is the promise of this country.

That is the America I want to raise my three beautiful children in – Adelina, Raúl, and Joaquín. They along with my amazing husband Sol and my wonderful Mama Ramona are here today with me. Muchas gracias por su apoyo.

And 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.

It has been fifty days since the people of Arizona’s Seventh Congressional District elected me to represent them.

Fifty days that over 800,000 Arizonans have been left without access to the basic services that every constituent deserves.

This is an abuse of power.

One individual should not be able to unilaterally obstruct the swearing-in of a duly elected Member of Congress for political reasons.

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 we – the American people.

We need to fight for our immigrant communities and veterans.

We need to stand up for our public schools, children, and educators.

We need to respect tribal sovereignty and our environment.

We need to stand up for LGBTQ+ rights.

Because that’s what the American people expect us to do - fight for them.

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!

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