Republican leaders have launched a fierce attack on President Joe Biden after he used an autopen device to sign a contentious new bill into law, sparking fresh concerns about his physical capacity and decision-making abilities.
Controversy Over Executive Action
The White House confirmed on Monday that President Biden authorised the use of the mechanical signing device to enact the "Energy Security and Infrastructure Modernisation Act" - legislation that has faced significant opposition from Republican lawmakers who argue it grants excessive executive power.
House Speaker Mike Johnson led the condemnation, declaring the autopen usage "deeply troubling" and demanding a congressional investigation into whether the procedure violates constitutional requirements for bill enactment.
Health Questions Resurface
The controversy comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the 82-year-old president's health and stamina. White House officials defended the decision, stating the president was "fully engaged" in the legislative process and personally reviewed the bill before authorising the automated signature.
However, Republican critics seized on the incident, with Senator Ted Cruz calling it "unprecedented for legislation of this magnitude" and questioning whether Biden was physically present during the signing process.
Historical Precedent and Legal Battle
While previous presidents, including Barack Obama and Donald Trump, have occasionally used autopens for routine documents, legal experts note this marks one of the most significant pieces of legislation ever signed using the automated method.
Conservative legal groups are reportedly preparing challenges, arguing the Constitution's Presentation Clause requires physical presidential approval for major legislation. The White House maintains the practice is legally sound and points to Justice Department opinions supporting limited autopen use.
Political Fallout Intensifies
The timing proves particularly sensitive as Congress prepares for contentious end-of-year budget negotiations. Republican leaders have threatened to withhold cooperation on must-pass spending bills unless the administration provides full transparency about the president's health and decision-making processes.
As the political storm gathers momentum, the autopen controversy threatens to overshadow the legislation itself - a sweeping energy package that represents one of Biden's key policy priorities for the year.
