The Fox News Rundown From Washington: Tensions Remain High At Shutdown Drags On
Oct 19, 2025
Chad Pergram, FOX Senior Congressional Correspondent, dives into the Capitol Hill standoff over the swearing-in of Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva and the implications of the ongoing government shutdown. He discusses how this delay ties into the larger political landscape, including potential GOP redistricting gains from a Supreme Court case. U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra weighs in on local issues, like the arrest of Iowa’s school superintendent by ICE, and the impact of trade tensions with China on Iowa's agriculture.
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Swearing-In Delay Tied To Shutdown And Strategy
- Speaker Chad Pergram explains the swearing-in delay for Adelita Grijalva is tied to the House being in pro forma sessions during the shutdown.
- He highlights that Grijalva would be the 218th signature enabling a discharge petition to force release of the Epstein files.
Past Special-Election Swearing Precedents
- Pergram recalls past special-election swearing-in examples where both parties expedited seating when votes mattered.
- He cites April swears for Republicans Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine and delays like Julia Letlow's 25-day wait in 2021 as precedents.
Grijalva Could Unlock Epstein Discharge Petition
- Pergram notes Grijalva would likely be the 218th signature needed for a discharge petition to force Epstein files release.
- He says swearing her in could trigger motions and a political spectacle Republicans want to avoid.