Biden Autopen Pardons Spark Fury: House Republicans Demand Accountability

House Republicans are intensifying their scrutiny over President Joe Biden's use of an autopen to sign nearly 1,500 commutation orders during the final months of his term. The revelation has sparked a firestorm of questions about accountability and the integrity of the pardon process.

Who made the call? That’s the burning question on Capitol Hill. Rep. Jason Smith of Missouri, chair of the Ways & Means Committee, expressed deep concern over whether these decisions were truly Biden’s or if a staffer wielded the autopen without direct oversight. The implications are staggering—especially since the president’s own son was among those pardoned.

Reports indicate that while Biden claimed to have made every decision personally, many signatures were applied late at night, well past the president’s self-imposed 8 p.m. scheduling cutoff for rest. Rep. Mark Messmer of Indiana pointedly questioned the timing, suggesting that autopen use at 10:45 p.m. raises serious doubts about the president’s involvement during those hours.

A call for transparency resonates among lawmakers. Rep. Brandon Gill of Texas emphasized the public’s right to know who authorized these actions, arguing that trust in elected officials hinges on accountability. Some Republicans, like Rep. John McGuire of Virginia, even floated the idea of rolling back certain pardons through judicial review, while Rep. Andrew Clyde of Georgia went further, calling for prosecution of anyone who overstepped constitutional bounds.

The House Oversight Committee, under Chair James Comer of Kentucky, is already digging into whether Biden’s mental state was concealed by aides and if the autopen’s use skirted proper protocol. Former Chief of Staff Ronald Klain is set to face investigators soon, adding fuel to an already heated probe. Democrats, however, dismiss the investigation as political theater.

While some lawmakers, like Rep. Troy Downing of Montana, acknowledge the need to understand past actions to prevent future missteps, others, including Rep. Blake Moore of Utah, stress that exposing these issues is vital to rebuilding public trust—even if the past can’t be undone. Notably, the use of autopen isn’t new or illegal; it’s been employed by past administrations, including under President Donald Trump. The core issue remains: did Biden personally sign off on these critical decisions?

As this controversy unfolds, the balance between uncovering the truth and focusing on future governance hangs in the air. One thing is clear—Americans are watching, and they demand answers.