KARL: Are you saying that? Nancy Pelosi Did you refuse to take the oath before?
JOHNSON: No, what I’m saying is that my point is that this is the normal process.
KARL: Because I understand that that was the date that the representative-elect, Letlow, actually requested at that time.
JOHNSON: No. Okay, here are some more examples, okay.
KARL: No, no, but wait a minute, you mentioned “the Pelosi precedent.” But Pelosi didn’t delay that. She—she gave the date that—
JOHNSON: No, no, let me tell you more about the Pelosi precedent, okay?
KARL: And what about the Johnson precedent? I mean, you swore in two Republicans the day after you were elected.
JOHNSON: I’m happy to answer. I’m happy to answer. Pelosi’s precedent: Pat Ryan, Joe Sempolinski. They were elected during an August recess. Then, 21 days later, when the House returned to the regular legislative session, they were sworn in. That’s what we’re doing. We are not in session right now. Representative Grijalva was elected after the House adjourned its session. As soon as we get back to the legislative session, as soon as the Democrats decide to turn the lights back on so we can all get back here, I will take the oath of…
KARL: You could swear him in tomorrow, right? I mean –
JOHNSON: No, not tomorrow. No, we… we couldn’t. We wouldn’t do it. Earlier in this Congress there was an exception for two Floridians. But the reason was that they were duly elected. They had a date set. They flew in all their friends and family and the House closed its sessions unexpectedly.
KARL: So… then, if she flies with friends and family, then you…
JOHNSON: We don’t have a set date. She was elected after we finished the session.