With the government shutdown entering its second week, tensions boiled over on Capitol Hill as Democratic Sens. Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly confronted House Speaker Mike Johnson face-to-face, accusing him of blocking both the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents and the swearing-in of a new member who could force action.
At the center of the clash is Arizona Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, a Democrat whose swearing-in has been stalled by House Republican leadership. Grijalva would provide the critical 218th signature on a discharge petition to force a floor vote on the Epstein files — documents that could expose powerful individuals tied to Epstein’s sex trafficking operation.
Gallego charged that Johnson is trying to “cover up for pedophiles on the Epstein list, and number two, put his members in a really rough position when it comes to voting and extending these ACA tax credits.”
Johnson emerged from his office mid-press conference and claimed the delay was procedural, insisting Grijalva’s election came after the House had already recessed — unlike past instances where members were sworn in during pro forma sessions.
“I am anxious to administer the oath to her, as soon as you guys vote to open up the government,” Johnson told Gallego and Kelly, referring to a clean stopgap funding bill to avoid a shutdown.
The senators weren’t buying it. They reminded Johnson that just last year, two Republicans from Florida were sworn in during a pro forma session — directly contradicting his claim.
That’s when Gallego dropped the bomb.
“You don’t want to be on the Epstein discharge,” Gallego told Johnson.
Johnson shot back: “That’s totally absurd. You guys are experts in red herrings…It has nothing to do with Epstein.”
The timing couldn’t be more politically charged: a government shutdown, a new member-elect being iced out, and a speaker under fire for allegedly protecting elite interests. Watch the tense exchange below.
Watch Santos Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego confront Mike Johnson about not swearing in Adelita Grijalva in order to hide the Epstein files. pic.twitter.com/PNVMJM4Yt8
— Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) October 8, 2025
Sen. Kelly and Sen. Gallego confront Mike Johnson about the GOP shutdown:
"Why don't you bring back your Republican members so we can have a serious negotiation?" pic.twitter.com/xZ6pP9sHFq
— FactPost (@factpostnews) October 8, 2025
