Senator Johnson Presses for Biden’s Health Records
Senator Ron Johnson is urging former President Joe Biden to hand over all records concerning his “declining mental and physical health and cognitive decline.” This development comes as Johnson, who chairs the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, looks into claims that Biden’s health issues have been concealed during his presidency.
In correspondence with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Johnson noted his office is examining whether Biden, along with his Cabinet and staff, has kept information about his health private. He raised questions about who ultimately makes important presidential decisions if Biden’s cognitive abilities are in doubt.
On a related note, the White House is investigating Biden’s use of an autopen for signing documents, which some critics say raises concerns about his capacity to fulfill presidential duties. It’s reported that over 27,000 documents may have already been handed over to the National Archives, with potential links to Biden’s alleged health issues.
Johnson’s request includes all communication relating to Biden’s health, pointing to several former White House officials whose interactions might shed light on the matter. He set a deadline for these records to be submitted by July 30.
The investigation into autopen usage is significant; Biden has signed numerous documents using the machine, which can replicate signatures and accommodate various types of pens. While this method has been employed for routine matters, some find it troubling in the context of significant decisions like pardons. Indeed, Biden’s final weeks in office saw him grant pardons to over 1,500 individuals, a move described by his administration as a significant act of clemency.
Biden defended his decisions and the use of the autopen during a recent interview, asserting that he personally made all the calls. However, it was suggested that he may not have individually approved every name in the various pardons issued.
Meanwhile, both Congressional committees and the White House’s ongoing investigations into Biden’s health and the autopen’s usage are being conducted separately, though they share some intersecting interests. Authorities have indicated this is a substantial inquiry they hope to conclude soon. It remains to be seen how this will affect Trump’s claims about the legitimacy of Biden’s pardons and the use of autopen for official duties.
