Jeff Zients on Autopen Use and Decision Memos in the Biden Administration

Understanding Decision Memos

• 💡 A decision memo is a document that briefs the President on decisions, serving as background for meetings where relevant people gather.
• 🧠 There are two types of memos: briefing memos (not related to an eventual decision) and decision memos (which brief the President on decisions).

Autopen Policy and Draft Guidance

• 📌 A draft decision memo dated February X, 2021, outlines options for approving documents: Approve, Reject, Approve as Amended, and Discuss.
• 📜 The subject of this draft memo is the approval of routine documents by use of the autopen.
• ⚠️ The memo recommends that the President personally approve and handsign all decisions requiring presidential action, with specific categories listed, including pardon letters.

Autopen Usage and Logistics

• ⚙️ While the President generally prefers to handsign important documents, the autopen is a legal option for logistical reasons.
• 🚀 Efforts are made to have the President personally sign major pieces of legislation, especially if it's important for the public to see him signing it.
• 🌍 In situations where the President is unavailable or far away, the autopen can be used to prevent government shutdowns or ensure timely action on legislation.
• ❓ The former Chief of Staff stated he did not know who operated the autopen.
• 🗣️ The draft memo was considered proposed guidance rather than a signed policy because it was never signed by the President.