IN FOCUS - Oct. 17, 2025

Laid-off federal employees, missed paychecks for U.S. servicemembers and closed national parks are just a few of the impacts of the federal shutdown that has already dragged on for 16 days.

One more: the estimated 813,289 Arizonans who make up the 7th Congressional District remain without representation in the U.S. House of Representatives, despite electing Adelita Grijalva 24 days ago. The Tucson Democrat’s victory was formally certified on Tuesday.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is threatening legal action to compel that Rep.-elect Grijalva be sworn-in “without delay” by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. Meanwhile, House Speaker Johnson maintains he will happily seat the newest member of Arizona’s delegation … just as soon as the federal shutdown is ended and the House reconvenes.

In the meantime, Rep.-elect Grijalva says she’s “essentially a tourist in D.C.” - unable to hire staff, lease office space and begin serving CD-7 constituents. Democrats assert an ulterior motive is preventing her from being seated. Specifically, Rep.-elect Grijalva has said she supports release of the Epstein Files, and would be the decisive, 218th member required to force a full House vote on the matter. Johnson denied those rumors this week.