Reflecting on Congressional Hearings
Congressional hearings can be beneficial to the public if they lead to real actions. They have the potential to reveal fraud, influence public opinion, and hold individuals accountable. But if, after the hearing, nothing progresses, they risk becoming just a way to give the appearance of oversight without making any real impact.
This is pretty much what Americans have come to expect: dramatic sound bites, viral clips, and quick letters that symbolize action. If Congress doesn’t change this trend, the AutoPen scandal could easily slip into another missed chance.
It’s crucial to note that while the Biden administration may have sidestepped the implications of the 25th Amendment, Congress must not avoid its responsibilities.
The recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing highlighted the use of auto-pens in the Biden administration. It wasn’t exactly a high-stakes affair. According to a supervisory project officer, Theo Wold, there hasn’t been a fully functioning president in the U.S. for the last four years. Interestingly, Biden’s old colleagues in the Senate should have come forward to testify about this. Yet, almost all Senate Democrats, apart from a couple, notably boycotted the hearing, including prominent figures like Senator Adam Schiff.
Senate Republicans were there and they asked pertinent questions. They focused on serious concerns: Biden’s capability and his lack of direction over his team. Unlike previous administrations, Biden’s team seems to be using automation not just for efficiency but perhaps to hide who actually runs the government.
The hearing also raised significant constitutional issues. For instance, what happens if a senior official prefers an ineffective president to avoid triggering protections meant for the country’s safety? Some senators have even suggested revising the 25th Amendment. It’s a conversation worth having, but it needs to lead somewhere.
So, what’s next?
First off, the Senate should demand all records related to how the Biden administration has used the auto-pen. They need to find out who authorized its use and log its instances. Wold testified that such records exist—or, if they don’t, that raises even larger concerns. Senator Josh Hawley has already stated he’ll seek these out.
These documents are protected under the Presidential Records Act and are currently not accessible to the public. Many would agree that if we could have requested their release a while back, we certainly would have. Only Congress or the Trump administration can access them. Delays could suggest a cover-up.
Secondly, Jake Tupper and Alex Thompson must be called to testify. Their book, “Original Sin,” is based on over 200 sources. If they’re aware of information that the public should know, they have a moral—and maybe even legal—duty to cooperate. They were invited to the hearing but declined. The next step should definitely be a subpoena.
Moreover, Congress should utilize the same investigatory tools that the Select Committee abandoned after the January 6th incident. This would include documentation, phone records, bank statements, and subpoenas for private communications of those who supported what some call the “AutoPen administration.” If these individuals invoke privilege, Trump should waive it, as Biden did during his January 6th inquiry.
Lastly, the House must follow through effectively. Any scheduled interviews or depositions involving Kentucky Republican Chairman James Comer cannot be treated as mere political theater; they need to form the foundation of legitimate investigations.
Accountability hinges on public demand. Americans should monitor every step—or lack thereof—by Congress, holding them to their commitments. The country certainly doesn’t need more hollow performances; what it needs is substantial answers.
While the Biden administration might have maneuvered past the implications of the 25th Amendment, Congress is squarely responsible for its obligations. The gravity of these issues surpasses sound bites on cable news or social media snippets; true courage involves using subpoenas and all available legal options.
People are understandably weary of ineffective “strongly-worded letters.” As we see examples unfold, we’ll be able to gauge if Congress is genuinely committed or just going through the motions again.
It’s time to step away from the sidelines and engage decisively.
