Welcoming the Honorable Adelita S. Grijalva to the House of Representatives

Floor Speech

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Mrs. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague and friend, Congressman Stanton, for that kind introduction and to the entire Democratic delegation from Arizona and the delegation that stood here with me that has supported me throughout this process.

I rise today, the proud granddaughter of a bracero, a hardworking Mexican immigrant who came to this country 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, Raul, and Joaquin. They, along with my amazing husband, Sol, and my wonderful Mama Ramona are here with me today.

``Thank you for your support and your love.''

``Muchas gracias por su apoyo y tu amor.''

Thank you to ``the people,'' ``la gente'' of southern Arizona for making history, electing me as the first Latina, the first Chicana from Arizona to ever go to Congress.

(English translation of the statement made in Spanish is as follows:)

``This is a historic moment for our community. It is an honor to be the first Latina to represent Arizona in Congress. Let me assure you, while I am the first, I will not be the last.''

``Este momento es historico 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 sere la ultima.''

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Mrs. GRIJALVA. 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 coequal branch of government that we are.

It has been 50 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.

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. I thank them for being here.

Just this morning, House Democrats released more emails showing that Trump knew more about Epstein's abuses than he previously acknowledged. It is 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 is 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.

``Forward my people. Thank you very much.''

``Adelante mi gente. Muchas gracias.''

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