General Discussion

How a judge can swear in a House member

The typical procedure for swearing in House members is outlined in 2 U.S.C. § 25:

The Speaker-elect is sworn in by a member of the House.
The Speaker then administers the oath to all other House members en masse.

However, the House has the authority to approve alternative arrangements for members who could not be present for the mass swearing-in. In these cases, the Speaker may designate another individual to administer the oath on their behalf. The use of federal and local judges for this purpose is supported by the House's historical precedents.
Legal basis for a judge swearing in a member

Constitutional authority: The U.S. Constitution (Article VI, Clause 3) requires members of Congress to take an oath but does not specify who must administer it.
Authorization for federal judges: Under 5 U.S.C. § 2903, federal judges are authorized to administer oaths and affirmations.
House precedents: The House of Representatives has historically authorized judges to administer the oath to absent representatives, such as members elected in special elections. For example, in 2013, several federal judges swore in members of Congress who were not present for the initial ceremony.