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. Democratic New York Rep. Joe Morelle, ranking member of the House Administration Committee, confirmed the firing in a statement. 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. His refusal to be transparent and truthful has made clear that he can no longer lead the organization and must resign immediately. Copyright 2023 HotAir.com/Salem Media. Maybe Morelle forgot that Democrats lost control of the House. There were some $13,926.56 in costs attributed to the Ford Explorer. He should resign or President Biden should remove him The report noted that there was no official violation, but that these tours were not a good look. Greg Nash/AP He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy said in a tweet on Monday. The president fired Blanton after the White House did "due diligence," a White House official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel issues. Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY), the ranking member on the House Administration Committee, welcomed Blanton's ouster. Previous:McCarthy calls on the Architect of the Capitol to resign after damaging IG report. Biden "terminated" Blanton amid bipartisan calls for his firing or resignation, including from House Speaker Kevin McCarthy earlier on Monday, the official said. The report also said Blanton mischaracterized his government position, at one point chasing down a vehicle that was described as having been involved in a hit-and-run and misrepresenting himself as a law enforcement official. 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. IE 11 is not supported. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday called on Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton to resign after damaging inspector general report last fall. The office of the architect did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Could you not have fulfilled the same function at home using a cell phone? Morelle asked Blanton. "As Ranking Member of the House Administration Subcommittee on Oversight, I found Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton's answers at today's hearing appalling. Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wisc. On February 13, 2023, President Joe Biden terminated Blanton's appointment as Architect of the Capitol.[2]. President Joe Biden has fired Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton, who was responsible for maintaining the U.S. Capitol, amid mounting allegations of ethics violations. The White House fired Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton on Monday following complaints from a bipartisan group of Congress-members and the threat of impeachment. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. House lawmakers grilled Blanton over the report in a House Administrationhearinglast week, where Blanton pushed back on the report. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Biden fired the Architect of the Capitol among bipartisan calls for his resignation. "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? 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, he said. The abuse of government property charge includes allowing special treatment for his family. [1] He was sworn in on January 16, 2020.[7]. "I look forward to working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new Architect immediately, he said. CAPITOL HILL'S TOP MANAGER FACING MISCONDUCT HEARING FOR ALLEGED MISUSE OF POSITION. "We take the IG report seriously and the request from members of Congress seriously as well and are evaluating next steps," she said. Ranking Democrat Rep. Joe Morelle of New York questioned why he remained in the mobile command center. "His refusal to be transparent and truthful has made clear that he can no longer lead the organization and must resign immediately.". "Moreover, I have fully invested to ensure that I meet the responsibilities and the expectations of this role.". 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. 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. He added that the Architect of the Capitol's "refusal to be transparent and truthful has made clear that he can no longer lead the organization and must resign immediately.". In the fall,an inspector general reportaccused Blanton of abuse of government property and wasting taxpayer dollars by allowing his family to drive a government-owned vehicle and taking the vehicle on out-of-town trips to South Carolina and Florida, according to the report. Flip. Blanton said he was monitoring developments remotely during the Jan. 6 riot. Never use the company vehicle for personal business. "The Inspector General's report was highly concerning, which is, in part, why our first hearing was dedicated to providing oversight over the AOC. 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. Monday, February 13, 2023, The Front Page Podcast: Pumping the Brakes, NEW: Its not polite to pretend boys can be girls, SCOTUS takes on Bidens student debt agenda, Click $12,434 in unreported, taxable noncash fringe benefits. Blanton also allegedly misrepresented himself as a law enforcement official. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. He was confirmed by a voice vote in the Republican-led Senate 10 days later. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately," McCarthy tweeted. The inspector general was first alerted to these problems through a complaint on a hotline on March 7, 2021. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre previously told reporters Monday that the administration was weighing its options. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. The big picture: An inspector general report last year accused Brett Blanton, who was appointed by former President Trump, Committee members characterized his performance as evasive, and Morelle responded by calling for his resignation. Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wisc. "He should resign, or President Biden should remove him immediately," the California Republican added. One big strike against Blanton was the fact that he was not physically present on the Capitol grounds on January 6, 2021. WebPresident Joe Biden has fired Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton, the Western Journal reported. Blanton rebutted that he had identified himself as a member of the Capitol Police Board, which he is, and not an officer. 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. WASHINGTON - Committee on House Administration Chairman Bryan Steil (R-WI) today issued the following statement calling on Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton to immediately resign: The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) plays a key role in preserving Driving the news: Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) praised the Biden administration for terminating Blanton. R-Wisconsin, also called on Blanton to immediately resign. "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," Morelle said in a statement. 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 Biden administration on Monday "terminated" the Architect of the Capitol, the White House confirmed. Terms of Use / Privacy Policy / Manage Newsletters, - He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, the speaker tweeted Monday. "President Biden did the right thing and heeded my call for action. Blanton was Biden terminated Blanton after bipartisan calls for his firing or resignation were sounded by members of Congress, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday. "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. 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. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R Even House Democrats think its time for Blanton to go, the tweet read. Spokane, Washington Est. The architect of the Capitol is tasked with maintaining and operating Capitol grounds, according to AOC.gov. He referred to it as "an alternate work site" and said having to switch vehicles would slow him down. Frank Thorp V is a producer and off-air reporter covering Congress for NBC News, managing coverage of the Senate. 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. President Biden on Monday fired the Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton after a report alleged he abused his office. "After doing our due diligence, the Architect of Capitol was terminated at the President's direction," the White House official said. Zoom out: The Architect of the Capitol is responsible for the maintenance and preservation of the Capitol and its surrounding grounds, which includes the House and Senate office buildings. 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. He was the only member of the board who did not resign or lose CNN has reached out to the office of the Architect of the Capitol for response to McCarthy's call for Blanton's resignation. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. The Republican chairman of the committee, Rep. Bryan Steil of Wisconsin, called for Blantons resignation after he engaged in an exchange with him. Blanton was nominated by former President Trump to a 10-year term as Architect of the Capitol and was confirmed by the Senate in December 2019. Outrageous that you were not here.. Last year, a handful of lawmakers called for Blantons resignation, including Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), the head of the Rules Committee, and Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), who led the Administration Committee at the time. U.S. Capitol Architect, Brett Blanton, remains under scrutiny after an intense House of Administration hearing, last Thursday. A White House official said, After doing our due diligence, the Architect of the Capitol was terminated at the Presidents direction. Sleepy Joe has been busy lately giving orders shooting down balloons or objects out of the sky, and now ordering the termination of an employee. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The Blanton familys use of agency vehicles added up to at least $12,434 in unreported, taxable noncash fringe benefits. Blanton also allegedly misrepresented himself as a law enforcement official. Is this the first termination that Biden has carried out? He previously called for Blanton to be terminated. 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.. [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]. Meanwhile, the inspector general's report said Blanton's adult child called it "free gas" for her. President Biden on Monday fired Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton following allegations that he misrepresented himself as a law enforcement Blanton oversees a workforce of nearly 2,000 and is also part of the US Capitol Police Board. Committee Chair Bryan Steil, R-Wis., called on Blanton to resign Monday, saying in a statement that his "refusal to be transparent and truthful has made clearthat he can no longer lead the organization and must resign immediately. Whats Biden waiting for when it comes to 2024? He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy tweeted Monday. On December 16, 2019, the Committee reported his nomination favorably to the Senate floor. Committee GOP (@HouseAdmin) February 13, 2023, Democrats expressed anger with Blantons handling of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. 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. The responsibilities of his job include overseeing the Capitols property management and operations, and as one of three board members, he oversees the U.S. Capitol Police. The report accused Blanton of ethics violations, abuse of government funds and wasting taxpayer money. The driver turned out to be Blanton's daughter, who also "made obscene gestures toward" the complainant "while at the stop sign outside the parking garage." I wholeheartedly reject any assertion I have engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country, he said. 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. The big picture: An inspector general report last year accused Brett Blanton, who was appointed by former President Trump, of abusing his authority. (RELATED: Capitol Police Downplayed Intelligence From Security Firm Warning Of Capitol Riot). NBC News has asked Blanton's office for comment. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told NBC News, I agree with the presidents decision to fire the architect.". 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. Chairman Steil Calls on Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton to Resign pic.twitter.com/klFYGejkVv, House Admin. Blanton was appointed by former President Donald Trump and remained in the job when Biden came into office. Blanton was appointed in 2019 by President Donald Trump to a ten-year term. CNN President Joe Biden fired Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton on Monday following allegations that he misused government resources and was not WaPo: FBI resisted Mar-a-Lago raid, DoJ prosecutors demanded it. 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. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle jumped on that. The White House said Monday that Blantons 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 [Architect of the Capitol]. He said he was using his official vehicle at the mobile command post. "The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. It said he committed "administrative, ethical and policy violations," including misuse of a government-issued vehicle and falsely giving the impression that he was a member of law enforcement. When asked if he had used a government vehicle for personal use, Blanton said that he wouldn't characterize his use of the vehicle as personal. 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.". He was nominated by Trump on Dec. 9, 2019. Blanton could be removed only by the president because the architect of the Capitol is a presidential appointee confirmed by the Senate. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, Mr. McCarthy tweeted Monday. 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 thats attached to it? Blanton was responsible for the upkeep and operation of over 18 million square feet of buildings and 570 acres of land throughout the U.S. Capitol complex. [5], President Donald Trump nominated Blanton on December 9, 2019, for a ten-year term as Architect of the Capitol. Updated February 13, 2023 at 7:24 PM ET. During the pandemic, Blanton reportedly gave tours of the U.S. Capitol despite the official closure of the building to the public. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. Blanton served in the Navy Civil Engineer Corps for 22 years. Steil also called for Blanton to resign Monday. 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 call was echoed by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who tweeted that Blanton "no longer has my confidence to continue in his job.. Torres called for Blantons resignation shortly after the hearing. Copyright 2023 The Washington Times, LLC. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Biden terminated Blanton after bipartisan calls for his firing or resignation were sounded by members of Congress, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday. No Architect has ever been removed by Congress, but the Senate is considering legislation that would clarify that the position is subject to impeachment. He then served as Deputy Vice President for Engineering at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority which operates the Reagan National and Dulles International Airports. 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.. "I am outraged that you would be in a comfortable place while the rest of us were thinking about dying that day and how we were going to come out alive that day, outrageous that you were not here," she said. Regardless of who has appointed them, government officials who misuse their privileges must be removed from their positions. The Architect of the Capitol is responsible for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the United States Capitol Complex. 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.. 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. Blanton told committee members at last Thursday's hearing that he was "directing AOC personnel" from his government vehicle, which he said served as "AOC's mobile command post," during the riot but not on the Capitol grounds. Terminated at the Presidents decision to fire the Architect of the Capitol Police Board which. Firing or resignation were sounded by members of Congress, including Speaker McCarthy... Blantons Mr. Morelle praised the White Houses decision to fire the Architect the... 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