In a dramatic standoff that reached a boiling point today, Speaker Mike Johnson remained firm in his decision not to swear in Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva during the House of Representatives' pro forma session, despite escalating threats of legal action from Democratic leaders and Arizona’s Attorney General, Kris Mayes.

Johnson dismissed the legal threats as a "publicity stunt" orchestrated by the Democratic Attorney General, who he accused of seizing a "national moment" to challenge him. "She has nothing whatsoever to do with what's happening in Congress," Johnson stated to the press on Friday.

Grijalva, who recently won a special election to fill the seat left vacant by her late father, Raúl Grijalva, has been at the center of this political storm for over three weeks. The delay in her swearing-in has sparked a fierce debate and legal saber-rattling, particularly from AG Mayes who has vocally supported immediate action to seat Grijalva.

Adding to the pressure, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other Democratic members have rallied behind Mayes, warning of imminent legal repercussions. At a press conference earlier today, Jeffries declared that “all options are on the table” to ensure Grijalva is seated promptly. "Expect swift and decisive legal action if the swearing-in does not occur this afternoon," he emphasized.

The controversy hinges on the Republicans' continued blockade of Grijalva's official induction, a move they have repeated in previous sessions. Johnson argues that the swearing-in will proceed once Senate Democrats back House-passed legislation aimed at resolving the ongoing government shutdown. He criticized Jeffries' legal stance in a pointed remark, questioning his capabilities as an attorney.

The House, which last voted nearly a month ago, has been caught in a legislative standstill, with Johnson indicating that regular business—and Grijalva's swearing-in—will resume only after a bipartisan agreement is reached.

As the deadline looms and political tensions rise, all eyes are on the Capitol, where the outcome of this standoff could have significant implications for the legislative process and party relations in Congress.