The GOP-controlled House Oversight Committee has declared that former President Joe Biden’s pardons, signed using an autopen, are “void.” This assertion comes amid ongoing concerns regarding Biden’s cognitive state during his presidency. The committee sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, urging further investigation into the legality of these pardons.
Key Findings from the Oversight Committee
A 93-page report that accompanies the letter outlines the committee’s allegations following a lengthy investigation into Biden’s use of the autopen.
- The report suggests there was a cover-up regarding Biden’s cognitive decline.
- No records clearly demonstrate that Biden personally made the executive decisions attributed to him.
- The committee has raised questions about the processes used to grant pardons, alleging that the lack of documentation undermines their validity.
Implications of Autopen Signatures
The letter highlights concerns that the pardons issued through an autopen—an automatic signing device—may not have the necessary legal standing. The committee has called for the Department of Justice to assess the situation and potentially pursue action against top aides who invoked the Fifth Amendment during testimonies.
Key aides implicated include:
- Dr. Kevin O’Connor, former White House physician
- Anthony Bernal and Annie Tomasini, Biden aides
Contentions and Responses
Former President Biden has publicly refuted claims regarding his mental acuity and decision-making capabilities. He maintains that he was fully involved in all presidential decisions, particularly concerning pardons. Biden’s team had earlier dismissed accusations from Republican figures as unfounded.
The committee’s report also points to a troubling approval process for pardons, suggesting that the method used—termed a “game of telephone”—raises serious questions regarding the legitimacy of Biden’s executive actions.
Concerns Over Clemency Decisions
In total, Biden granted pardons and commutations to 4,245 individuals during his presidency. Critics point out that this number included prominent figures, notably individuals from Biden’s family and those perceived as political adversaries.
Call for Investigations
The committee urges the Justice Department to look into whether any actions should be taken against individuals involved in the contentious pardon deliveries. This could potentially lead to significant legal battles, as there is no precedent for reversing a presidential pardon.
The report’s findings and declarations have stirred political tensions, with Democrats likely to label the committee’s conclusions as partisan. As investigations proceed, the future of Biden’s pardons remains uncertain, especially considering the implications of signing via autopen.
