A former senior aide to President Joe Biden revealed that she had the authority to direct the auto-pen signature but wasn’t certain who in Biden’s close circle ultimately cleared it, according to a source knowledgeable about her testimony before Congress.
Neela Tanden, who previously headed Biden’s National Policy Council, spent hours providing information during her testimony to the House Oversight Committee. The committee is delving into questions regarding the former president’s mental acuity and the use of automated signature tools that enable aides to sign significant documents like pardons and memos.
During her more than five-hour session with lawmakers, Tanden explained that she had been authorized to use the Autopen Signature while serving as Biden’s secretary and adviser from 2021 to 2023. A source communicated to Fox News that the authorization system was passed down from previous administrations.
Tanden admitted that while she could send decision notes to Biden’s inner circle for approval regarding the auto-pen usage, she did not know how the process unfolded between the submission of her notes and receiving necessary approvals.
When queried about discussions regarding Biden’s health and fitness as president, particularly concerning last summer’s widely criticized debate performance, Tanden maintained she never engaged in such conversations. The lawmakers presented her with a list of staff names who might have been discussed, but Tanden responded negatively to each one, according to sources familiar with her closed-door testimony.
Despite the scrutiny, Tanden expressed her willingness to cooperate with the ongoing investigation. Post-testimony, she stated, “I spoke to the House Oversight Committee, both the Majority and Minority Council. I’m prepared to address all inquiries regarding my public service and was happy to engage fully.” When asked if there had been attempts to conceal Biden’s condition, she firmly replied, “Absolutely not.”
Additionally, Biden’s former physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, is expected to testify as well, following a summons from Republican officials.
The Oversight Committee is also planning to reach out to other key figures, including Anthony Vernal, a former senior adviser to First Lady Jill Biden, and others who were close to Biden during his presidency.
