In a recent opinion piece for The Blaze, Mike Howell argues that congressional hearings, while potentially powerful tools for accountability, often fall short without subsequent action.
Howell emphasizes that these hearings can expose misconduct and shape public opinion, but they risk becoming mere spectacles if not followed by concrete measures. He warns that the ongoing autopen scandal involving the Biden administration could become another missed opportunity unless Congress takes decisive action.
The Senate Judiciary Committee's recent hearing on President Joe Biden's use of the autopen has brought these concerns to the forefront. Howell highlights the testimony of Theo Wold, a board member of the Oversight Project, who asserted that the United States lacked a fully functioning president over the past four years.
Despite the gravity of the issue, most Senate Democrats, except for Dick Durbin and Peter Welch, boycotted the hearing. Howell points out a potential conflict of interest with Sen. Adam Schiff, who received an autopenned pardon.
Republican senators, however, engaged with the core issue: Biden's alleged incapacity and the administration's use of the autopen to obscure who was truly in charge. Howell suggests that this practice may have been a way to sidestep the 25th Amendment without formally invoking it. The hearing raised constitutional questions about the preference for an incapacitated president over initiating protective processes.
Howell outlines several steps Congress should take to address the situation. First, he calls for the Senate to demand all records related to the autopen's use, as these documents fall under the Presidential Records Act. Sen. Josh Hawley has already committed to pursuing these records. Howell stresses that if Congress or the Trump administration fails to act, they risk being complicit in a cover-up.
Additionally, Howell urges Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, authors of "Original Sin," to testify, given their extensive research involving over 200 sources. Their refusal to attend the hearing should be met with a subpoena, Howell argues. He also recommends that Congress employ the same investigative tools used by the January 6 select committee, including subpoenas for documents and communications from those involved in the "autopen administration."
Howell emphasizes the importance of the House following through on its promises, particularly those made by Kentucky Republican Chairman James Comer. He insists that the public must demand accountability and track Congress's actions closely.
Howell concludes by asserting that the Biden administration's evasion of the 25th Amendment requires more than superficial media coverage; it demands a robust legal and investigative response.
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