In his opening statement he had noted that the AOC vehicle is to allow the architect to support the Capitol in a remote capacity, and that "it is inaccurate to characterize the state of the vehicle is only for home to work purposes.". The move comes after House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) urged the president to oust Blanton on Monday, contending that he lost faith in him. President Biden on Monday fired the Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton after a report alleged he abused his office. The committee hearing was to review an inspector general report. Steil suggested that Congress could reorganize the Capitol Police board in light of Blantons failure to be on Capitol grounds. Blanton was Ranking member Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) was so unsatisfied by Blantons performance, he called for his resignation #FireBlanton https://t.co/Ijf1xNCsxY. "The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job," House Speaker Kevin McCarthy tweeted Monday. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy tweeted Monday. Blanton was the only member of the Capitol Police Board who still had a job after the Jan. 6 riot. Please show us the Experts Clause of the Constitution, Justices Sotomayor and Kagan, Jon Stewart to the Left, media: Told you so about the lab leak, St. Louis newspaper publishes response to gender clinic worker's story. "Offering private tours of the U.S. Capitol creates the appearance of impropriety and using a public position for private gain, which is a violation of AOC policy," the report said. President Joe Biden has fired embattled Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton, who oversees the historic building that houses Congress and its expansive grounds, as pressure mounted for his removal following a scathing inspector general report of personal and management lapses. Asked about the report earlier this month, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that the White House is taking this very seriously and will take any advice that the members of Congress or any action that they want to take very seriously.. On December 16, 2019, the Committee reported his nomination favorably to the Senate floor. An inspector general's report said Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton "abused his authority," "misused government property" and "wasted taxpayer money.". "We take the IG report seriously and the request from members of Congress seriously as well and are evaluating next steps," she said. His refusal to be transparent and truthful has made clear that he can no longer lead the organization and must resign immediately, Mr. Steil said in a statement. Blanton was appointed by former President Donald Trump and remained in the job when Biden came into office. Steil also called for Blanton to resign Monday. "We took a look at the whole situation, having dealt with this guy for a while, and I think the president made the right decision, he said. The result was mixed, Majority of voters, plurality of Democrats say Biden is too old to run again, *Gulp* Finland is building a wall on Russia's border, Maher on CNN: If its Biden against Trump, Biden will win thats a good bet", George Santos' CNN Response Is a Master Troll Move, Biden owns border critics with chuckling reminder this mom's sons died of fentanyl overdoses in 2020, Shock Report: FBI Agents Did Not Want to Raid Mar-a-Lago. If you want the facts, then sign up below and join our movement for objective news: Get news from American Digest in your inbox. Still no explanation [], The top Democrat and Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee said Tuesdays briefing on on the classified materials seized at President Bidens home and office and former President Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate left much to be desired. The Gang of Eight, the top four leaders in Congress and the chairmen and vice chairmen of the Senate []. Biden ousted Brett Blanton, the previous capitol architect, earlier this month after an inspector generals report found that he misused his authority. After being given the opportunity to respond to numerous allegations of legal, ethical, and administrative violations, and failing to directly respond, the President has removed Mr. Brett Blanton from his position a decision I firmly stand behind, said Rep. Joseph Morelle (D-N.Y.) the top Democrat on the House Administration Committee. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told NBC News, I agree with the presidents decision to fire the architect.". Why? [6] On December 12, 2019, the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration held a hearing on his nomination. President Joe Biden removed Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton from his post days after House lawmakers grilled him about his reported misuse of government resources. [8] Multiple instances of the Blanton family misusing government cars for personal use were documented in the report, which also documented how Blanton's wife gave unauthorized tours of the U.S. Capitol and that Blanton misrepresented himself as a police officer. I wholeheartedly reject any assertion that I engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country, he testified. The Inspector Generals report was highly concerning, Steil said. ), the chair of the panel, and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) Action-backed rhetoric fuels uncandidate DeSantis' launch strategy, I asked ChatGPT to invent a new cocktail. Another incident involving the official vehicle occurred in 2020 when Blanton allegedly chased down a vehicle "involved in a hit-and-run incident that took place in front of his residence" using the SUV. "You would have to address that with members of my family," Blanton responded. I look forward to continuing to conduct robust oversight to ensure our government is accountable to the American people, Steil said in a statement on Monday. Blanton did himself few favors with his testimony to the House Administration Committee last week in which he admitted to being absent from the Capitol during the Jan. 6 attack. IE 11 is not supported. In November 2022, a report from the office of the Inspector General found that Blanton and his family had repeatedly misused the resources of his office. The Washington Times here for reprint permission. Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wisc. Other members, including the ranking Democrat, Rep. Joe Morelle of New York, jumped on the admission by Blanton to question why he remained in the "mobile command center.". A White House official confirmed the decision, telling Axios: [A]fter doing our due diligence, the Architect of Capitol was terminated at the president's direction.. U.S. Capitol Architect, Brett Blanton, remains under scrutiny after an intense House of Administration hearing, last Thursday. Spokane, Washington Est. He previously called for Blanton to be terminated. Blanton, who remains the only member of the U.S. Capitol Police Board not to resign in the wake of the incident, also answered questions about his misuse of government-provided SUVs and deliberate misrepresentation of himself as a police officer among other accusations which include giving private tours to patriots in the weeks Rep. Joe Morelle, D-N.Y., asked how that squared with the inspector general report's finding that Blanton's wife and daughter would sometimes take the car without him. [3] Blanton is a Licensed Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering and a Certified Energy Manager. CNN President Joe Biden fired Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton on Monday following allegations that he misused government resources and was not The abuse of government property charge includes allowing special treatment for his family. The misuse of the government vehicle resulted in "no less than $13,926.56 as net questioned costs," the report found. "Since I have only had the opportunity to read the Inspector General's summary report, I can only speak to the language that I have seen. "If you need to be tethered, and if you needed a vehicle to be here, why did you make the decision not to come here and could you not have without the vehicle and all the emergency equipment that's attached to it? Blanton could be removed only by the president because the architect of the Capitol is a presidential appointee confirmed by the Senate. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. here for reprint permission. WebPresident Joe Biden has fired Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton, the Western Journal reported. Based on that behavior, Blanton has also been accused of giving the impression that he was in law enforcement. The federal watchdog also accused Blanton, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, of ethics violations over an offer to provide tours to "patriots" weeks before the November 2020 election. He was confirmed by a voice vote in the Republican-led Senate 10 days later. The committees top Democrat, Rep. Joseph D. Morelle of New York, also called for Mr. Blanton to step down. In Thursday's hearing, Blanton unequivocally denied that he did anything unethical. Mr. Morelle praised the White Houses decision to remove Mr. Blanton, calling it the right thing.. The Inspector Generals report was highly concerning, which is, in part, why our first hearing was dedicated to providing oversight over the AOC. The report accused Blanton of ethics violations, abuse of government funds and wasting taxpayer money. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy said in a tweet on Monday. The federal watchdog also accused Blanton, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, of ethics violations over an offer to provide tours to patriots weeks before the November 2020 election. I will say that the report is filled with errors, omissions, mischaracterizations, misstatements and conclusionary statements lacking evidence.". Blanton defended his absence on Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021, because, he said, there were too many people on the grounds. It sure looks like he was derelict in his duties. Blanton was appointed to the role by former President Donald Trump in 2019. Why a DC crime bill is creating big problems for, EPA proposal expected to expand sales of high-ethanol, House Republicans open investigation into role of, US intelligence: No evidence foreign adversaries, What to know about OKs recreational marijuana question, Oklahoma prepares for rec. Eli Lilly caps insulin costs at $35 per month, Shooting survivors American Idol tryout draws, Starbucks olive oil drinks a curiosity in Italy, Mansion shown on fire in listing pics gets new owner, Trooper rescues, adopts injured kitten on highway, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Blanton served in the Navy Civil Engineer Corps for 22 years. Members of Congress rejected his testimony, with several calling for him to resign. President Biden on Monday fired Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton following allegations that he misrepresented himself as a law enforcement "All PATRIOTS welcome," one of her posts proclaimed. Terms of Use / Privacy Policy / Manage Newsletters, - The Senate Budget Committee held a hearing on the impact of climate change and sea level rise on coastal communities as lawmakers reach an impasse on addressing the problem. Torres called for Blantons resignation shortly after the hearing. James Brett Blanton is an American professional engineer who served as Architect of the Capitol (AOC) from January 2020 until February 13, 2023 overseeing the office of the Architect of the Capitol and its more than 2,400 employees. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. During the pandemic, Blanton reportedly gave tours of the U.S. Capitol despite the official closure of the building to the public. He was nominated by Trump on Dec. 9, 2019. President Biden fired Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton Monday after lawmakers from both sides of the aisle demanded he resign or be fired. Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton was fired by President Biden Monday for a series of ethical violations, including his not being present on the grounds during the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. NBC News has asked Blanton's office for comment. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy also called for Blanton's dismissal Monday. Architect of the U.S. Capitol Brett Blanton testifies before the House Administration Committee in the Longworth House Office Building on Capitol Hill on February 9. Blanton also stated that on January 6 he was using his official vehicle as the Architect of the Capitol's mobile command post. Frank Thorp V is a producer and off-air reporter covering Congress for NBC News, managing coverage of the Senate. Morelle called for Blantons resignation last week. The complaint said that the black SUV's driver was "extremely reckless in the parking garage and swerving out of the garage at a high rate of speed, estimated to be about 65 miles per hour in a 30-mph zone.". [1], Blanton was terminated from his position after an inspector general's report found "administrative, ethical and policy violations" by Blanton, including allegations that he misused his government vehicle and misrepresented himself as a law enforcement official.[2]. Committee members characterized his performance as evasive, and Morelle responded by calling for his resignation. Blanton was dismissed months after an inspector generals report substantiated claims that he had abused his authority. "The Inspector General's report was highly concerning, which is, in part, why our first hearing was dedicated to providing oversight over the AOC. A White House official told CNN that Biden terminated Blanton on Monday following bipartisan calls for his resignation, echoed that day by House Speaker Kevin CNN has reached out to the office of the Architect of the Capitol for response to McCarthy's call for Blanton's resignation. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, Mr. McCarthy tweeted Monday. Ill note that it appears that Rep. Morelle is taking credit for Blantons termination. I wholeheartedly reject any assertion that I engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country, Blanton said in the hearing. James Brett Blanton is an American professional engineer who served as Architect of the Capitol (AOC) from January 2020 until February 13, 2023 overseeing the office of the Architect of the Capitol and its more than 2,400 employees. "He should resign, or President Biden should remove him immediately," the California Republican added. Blanton reportedly allowed the vehicle to be operated by his adult daughter and his wife against regulations while the American taxpayers footed the bill. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. CAPITOL HILL'S TOP MANAGER FACING MISCONDUCT HEARING FOR ALLEGED MISUSE OF POSITION. I wholeheartedly reject any assertion that I have engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country while serving in this particular role, I have taken my commitment to transform the agencys culture to promote a positive workplace for every AOC employee, Blanton said. The Biden administration on Monday "terminated" the Architect of the Capitol, the White House confirmed. Blantons dismissal came just hours after House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said he had lost confidence in Blanton and His explanation of being off campus during the day of Jan. 6 enraged some lawmakers. President Biden did the right thing and heeded my call for action. Last week, he was pressed about those findings and other issues, such as his absence from the Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot, as he was testifying before the House Administration Committee. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre previously told reporters Monday that the administration was weighing its options. Committee GOP (@HouseAdmin) February 13, 2023, Democrats expressed anger with Blantons handling of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Updated February 13, 2023 at 7:24 PM ET. Blanton said in the hearing that he used the vehicle during an out-of-state family vacation because he was under the impression that I had to use that vehicle so he could have quick communication with the Capitol Police Board in case of any emergency. The inspector general was first alerted to these problems through a complaint on a hotline on March 7, 2021. The Daily Caller | 1775 Eye Street NW | Suite 1150-290 | Washington, DC 20006. Some experts believe Congress has the authority to impeach Blanton, but others, including Steil, believe his ouster would require executive action since the Capitol architect is a position appointed by the president. His refusal to be transparent and truthful has made clear that he can no longer lead the organization and must resign immediately," said Steil. [10] Congressional representatives called for Blanton to resign. The Architect of the Capitol is responsible for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the United States Capitol Complex. Blanton was appointed by former President Donald Trump but has been accused of several infractions by both parties after a recent report. The report, released on October 2022, found that Blanton "abused his authority, misused government property, and wasted taxpayer money, among other substantiated violations." The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. The report also found that Blanton had been improperly identified as an off-duty police officer during an incident when he chased down a hit-and-run that happened outside his residence. Calls for Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blantons ouster or resignation are getting louder in the wake of a fiery House Administration hearing earlier this week. Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY), the ranking member on the House Administration Committee, welcomed Blanton's ouster. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) called for the Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton to step down or be removed by President Biden, adding to bipartisan outrage over an inspector general report that found he misused a government vehicle and allegedly impersonated a law enforcement officer, among other ethics issues. Could you not have fulfilled the same function at home using a cell phone?," Morelle asked Blanton. Mr. Blanton's incompetency is a danger to his office, and I join @RepJoeMorelle to call for his immediate resignation," Torres tweeted. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately," McCarthy tweeted. Even House Democrats think its time for Blanton to go, the tweet read. Blantons refusal to be transparent and truthful has made clear that he can no longer lead the agency and must resign immediately, House Administration Committee chairman Bryan Steil added. Bill would get rid of the Democratic Party in Fla. Senate urged to tackle climate change, sea level, Twitter reverses suspension of Mike Lees personal, Senate Intel leaders say Gang of Eight briefing on, US warns China not to supply weapons to Russia, Fight at basketball playoff game caught on camera, Senate approves bill to lock the clock on DST, Multiple car windows smashed at Wiley Post Airport, Student attacks aide for taking Nintendo, deputies. Based on the conduct alleged by the Inspector General and todays testimony, I am no longer confident in Mr. Blantons ability to effectively perform the duties of his office. In a statement Monday, Morelle praised Biden for doing "the right thing" by dismissing Blanton. Did You Ever Wonder How and Why the Left Is Able to Push Their Narratives Almost Unhindered? An Inspector General report released in October 2022 found that Blanton and his family improperly used agency vehicles, taking them to West Virginia, Florida, and South Carolina. He should resign or President Biden should remove him Moreover, I have fully invested to ensure that I meet the responsibilities and the expectations of this role.. Blanton maintained at last weeks hearing that he needed to take the car with him on personal errands and vacations in case he needed to return to the Capitol or respond to an emergency, because it was equipped with certain communications devices. The report noted that there was no official violation, but that these tours were not a good look. Regardless of who has appointed them, government officials who misuse their privileges must be removed from their positions. R-Wisconsin, also called on Blanton to immediately resign. You have permission to edit this article. The Architect was not on-site during the riot, but worked out of his government car. In his opening statement, Blanton told the committee that he was "frustrated" with the OIG's report, which he said follows what he called a "predetermined" narrative based on what he considers "picked facts. 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Shortly after McCarthys tweet, Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI), the chairman of the House Administration Committee, joined calls for Blanton's resignation. Morelle called for Blantons resignation last week. "The Inspector General's report was highly concerning, which is, in part, why our first hearing was dedicated to providing oversight over the AOC," Steil said. After recounting her experience of being stranded on a balcony during the insurrection, Democratic Rep. Norma Torres of California grew visibly frustrated. Blanton said it "would have been not prudent" to drive to the Capitol that day because of the crowds,and he told the panel of lawmakers that he instead used the car as his "mobile command center" during the attack. Morelle also pressed him about why he didn't use the car to go to the Capitol on Jan. 6, the "greatest emergency the Capitol has faced in the last two centuries.". "The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. Joe Biden should immediately FIRE AOC Blanton. Blanton responded that he did not have police radios and sufficient equipment in his house. He has repeatedly abused taxpayer dollars.Even House Democrats think its time for Blanton to go. (CNN) President Joe Biden fired the Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton on Monday following allegations that he misused government resources and was not physically present on the Capitol grounds during the January 6, 2021, insurrection, a White House official said. [5], President Donald Trump nominated Blanton on December 9, 2019, for a ten-year term as Architect of the Capitol. $12,434 in unreported, taxable noncash fringe benefits. Blanton also allegedly misrepresented himself as a law enforcement official. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy tweeted Monday. 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Mica Soellner can be reached at msoellner@washingtontimes.com. Blanton said in last weeks hearing that his vehicle served as the Architect of the Capitols mobile command post during Jan. 6, 2021, during the Capitol attack, and did not go to the Capitol during the attack because there would have been next to no way to get onto this campus.. "His refusal to be transparent and truthful has made clear that he can no longer lead the organization and must resign immediately.". I look forward to working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new Architect immediately.. Day because of this ten-year term as Architect of the Senate Administration weighing! Wholeheartedly reject any assertion that i engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country, he.! On a hotline on March 7, 2021 the bill did You Ever Wonder How Why... Was nominated by Trump on Dec. 9, 2019, the Senate committee on Rules Administration! 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