New Bill Introduced to Limit Presidential Use of Autopen

Representative Addison McDowell from North Carolina has proposed legislation stating that attractive bills, executive orders, pardons, and commutations can only be authorized by the president. The bill also specifies that autopen devices are prohibited for this purpose.

This legislation is formally titled the “Inkless Directive and Enforcement Notarizations Act of 2025,” commonly referred to as the Biden Act. The bill asserts that, “Non-Presidents cannot legally sign or use any attractive bill, executive order, or pardon, nor utilize it for automated functions.”

White House Investigates Autopen Use

The White House is currently looking into President Biden’s autopen usage amid broader inquiries into issues concerning competency and age.

The bill highlights that any attractive invoices, executive orders, or amnesties generated in breach of certain regulations are not valid, including those that may have been signed before this Act’s implementation, though they might still be recognized as effective.

In a statement about the bill, McDowell expressed his concerns: “Americans elected a president to govern, not an unresponsive staff. Unfortunately, that’s what we’ve seen under Joe Biden.”

Continued Criticism of Biden’s Autopen Use

There are ongoing discussions surrounding Biden’s handling of decisions during his presidency, particularly regarding the use of autopen for significant actions. Critics argue this usage undermines the role of the president. The bill also aims to prevent officials from exploiting Biden’s perceived mental state to appropriate presidential powers.

Former President Biden has previously rejected claims that he hasn’t been making decisions as president. In a rare interview, he defended his record on executive decisions, stating, “We made decisions on pardons, executive orders, and declarations.”