Overview

• Republican leaders declined Democrats’ requests to administer the oath during a Sept. 30 pro forma session, which was swiftly adjourned as members shouted for recognition.
• The bipartisan discharge petition to compel a House vote on releasing Justice Department records related to Jeffrey Epstein remains at 217 signatures, with Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva pledging to be the 218th once sworn.
• Democrats cite recent precedents for pro forma swearing-ins, including Republicans Randy Fine and Jimmy Patronis in April and Democrat James Walkinshaw in September, to argue the delay is selective.
• Republican leadership says the Epstein measure is flawed because it may not adequately protect victims and notes the House Oversight Committee is already pursuing related inquiries.
• Grijalva says she has had no direct guidance from the Speaker’s office and cannot hire staff or open an office, as GOP leaders also canceled planned voting days during funding talks, with the House next scheduled to reconvene Oct. 7.