How is it possible that newly elected Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva

[Wiz Imp]

5. The House is not currently in session and hasn't been since September 19.

Her election was on September 22. The House doesn't technically need to be in regular session to swear someone in. But in this case, with the House not in regular session, there's not a significant impact of delaying because no regular votes are being taken. Yes it delays the vote on releasing the Epstein files, but only by a few days and assuming it passes the House, will move onto the Senate where it will likely sit with no action for a long time.

I'm not defending the Republicans. This is petty and vindictive shit which we've come to expect from Republicans. But ultimately, the impact is minimal.

The House returns to session on October 7. She should be sworn in then. She can't legally be blocked for being sworn in and Johnson has said she will be sworn in when the House returns to regular session on October 7. The shutdown will not impact that.

https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5529055-republicans-grijalva-swearing-in-house/

A spokesperson for the Speaker’s office, though, indicated that Grijalva will be sworn in when the House returns to regular session — currently scheduled for Oct. 7.