Senate Republicans Criticize Democrats Over Biden’s Cognitive Decline

Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee have called out their Democratic counterparts for ignoring concerns about President Joe Biden’s mental fitness. This follows their absence at a hearing focused on allegations regarding Biden’s misuse of autopen powers.

Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) expressed frustration, stating, “There’s no single Democrat here today because I don’t mind the fact that one of them lied to Americans for four years.” He further emphasized that all Democrats were aware of Biden’s mental issues but failed to defend their position.

The hearing, titled “Not Suitable to Serve: How Biden Put America at Risk and Undermined the Constitution,” saw GOP senators voice worry that the president’s autopen was employed for signing executive orders and pardons without his direct knowledge.

Committee members also showcased a montage of past Democratic statements, highlighting moments when prominent figures, like Karine Jean-Pierre, claimed Biden was sharp and capable. In one clip, she remarked, “I can’t even catch up with him,” which added to the embarrassment for Democrats.

House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif) also appeared in the montage, praising Biden’s “knowledge, judgment, and strategic thinking,” despite her role in discussions about him potentially stepping aside for the 2024 election.

Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) defended the use of autopens, referring to them as common tools among officials, but criticized their implications under Biden’s administration. He described the autopen as a troubling symbol of governance being distanced from the president himself.

The only Democratic participants at the hearing were Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and ranking member Peter Welch (D-Vt.). Earlier, former President Trump urged investigations into actions taken during Biden’s tenure, particularly those signed via autopen.

Biden has refuted claims that autopens were used without his oversight, asserting that he has actively made decisions on various important matters.

During his opening remarks, Durbin expressed disappointment over the lack of a supervisory hearing by the Judiciary Committee. He highlighted issues such as the assassination of a Minnesota figure and ongoing safety concerns in Los Angeles as topics of significance that deserved attention.

Durbin stated, “Apparently, President Biden is more important than the serious concerns I mentioned.” In a turn of discussion, he attempted to shift focus to Trump and his cognitive abilities, but Republican members remained focused on Biden and the implications of the autopen in his administration.