House Oversight Committee Examines Biden’s Use of Autopen

The ongoing House Oversight Committee’s investigation into President Joe Biden’s use of the autopen is intensifying as former aides prepare for questioning. Chairman James Comer has not excluded the possibility of calling the president or his family members to testify during the inquiry.

Key Upcoming Testimonies

The final two aides scheduled to appear before the Committee include:

• Karine Jean-Pierre: Former White House Press Secretary, set to testify on Friday.
• Jeff Zients: Former Chief of Staff, scheduled for September 18.

The investigation has already seen several top staff members from the Biden administration deposed throughout the summer. Notably, few aides have yet been called to testify after these initial inquiries.

Fifth Amendment Invocations

In prior depositions, several individuals, including Biden’s personal physician and first lady Jill Biden’s aide, Anthony Bernal, invoked the Fifth Amendment, citing their right against self-incrimination. Additionally, former Deputy Chief of Staff Annie Tomasini exercised the same right during her private testimony in July. In contrast, other aides, such as former Chief of Staff Ron Klain and spokesman Ian Sams, cooperated with the committee’s questions.

Calls for Accountability

In light of reports detailing the autopen’s usage, Congressman Comer emphasized the need for accountability. He has been actively exploring legislative measures aimed at preventing potential abuse of the pardon power.

“Another day, another revelation showing Joe Biden wasn’t the one calling the shots in the White House,” Comer stated in regard to findings from a bombshell report by Axios. This inquiry raises serious concerns about presidential authority and culpability.

Controversial Pardons and Commutations

The Axios report reveals a frenzied period where Biden’s aides reportedly rushed to issue pardons before the administration transitioned on January 20, 2025. Some of the notable pardons signed via autopen during this time include:

• Biden’s brother and sister
• General Mark Milley
• Dr. Anthony Fauci

Additionally, Biden commuted the sentences of nearly all death row inmates, including a judge convicted of receiving payouts for keeping children detained and a local official convicted of embezzling millions.

Autopen Pardons Approval

An email from a senior aide to Jeff Zients, authored by Rosa Po, approved pardons for family members and others just a day before Biden left office. This communication raised eyebrows as it highlighted procedural shortcomings within the administration.

“I approve the use of the autopen for the execution of all the following pardons. Thanks,” Po wrote in her email, which was later reported by Axios.

Gaps in Oversight

It was reported that the Justice Department was largely excluded from the clemency process, which was managed directly through the White House counsel’s office. This led to concerns from a senior ethics attorney, Bradley Weinsheimer, who indicated that they were not given adequate chances for oversight regarding the pardons.

Biden’s Defense

In a rare interview with the New York Times, Biden highlighted his direct involvement in the clemency decisions, stating:

“I made every single one of those [clemency] decisions.”

He defended the legality of the autopen, remarking that previous presidents, including Donald Trump, had also employed it.

Possible Future Actions

Chairman Comer has indicated that every avenue remains open for calling Biden and his wife to testify regarding these pardons and the autopen’s use in the final days of his presidency.

“Every option’s on the table,” Comer remarked in July. “Hopefully we can give everybody an opportunity to answer simple questions, and we’ll decide what steps to take next.”

Conclusion

As the House Oversight Committee deepens its investigation, the implications of Biden’s actions and the use of the autopen continue to unfold. The outcome may have significant repercussions for the administration and its former aides. For continued updates on the investigation, visit House Oversight Committee and Axios.