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. Even House Democrats think its time for Blanton to go, the tweet read. 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. 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. 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The AOC IG report also details a minor accident involving Blanton at a Virginia brewery involving another driver who backed into the government SUV while it was improperly parked. Blanton was 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. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday called on Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton to resign after damaging inspector general report last fall. On February 13, 2023, President Joe Biden terminated Blanton's appointment as Architect of the Capitol.[2]. 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. The Republican chairman of the committee, Rep. Bryan Steil of Wisconsin, called for Blantons resignation after he engaged in an exchange with him. 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. "President Biden did the right thing and heeded my call for action. 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. 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 Morelle called for Blantons resignation last week. "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 abuse of government property charge includes allowing special treatment for his family. He came under fire after an inspector general report found 'administrative, ethical, and policy violations'. IE 11 is not supported. The architect of the Capitol is tasked with maintaining and operating Capitol grounds, according to AOC.gov. He obviously CNN President Joe Biden fired Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton on Monday following allegations that he misused government resources and was not Emails are serviced by Constant Contact. Doctors prescribe Ozempic off label: Is that OK? Blanton earned his Master of Science from Virginia Tech in Ocean Engineering and his Bachelor of Science in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from the United States Naval Academy in 1993. 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. He referred to it as "an alternate work site" and said having to switch vehicles would slow him down. By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: American Digest, 3000 S. Hulen Street, Ste 124 #1064, Fort Worth, TX, 76109, US, https://americandigest.com. Could you not have fulfilled the same function at home using a cell phone? Morelle asked Blanton. 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. 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Marjorie Taylor Greene: Isnt she, Fight in high school classroom leaves one dead, one, School culture wars fuel top House GOP bill, Product safety commission requests information on, House Democrats gather to chart path toward 2024. Blanton was nominated to a 10-year term by former President Donald Trump; he started the job in January 2020. WebPresident Joe Biden has fired Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton, the Western Journal reported. President Joe Biden has fired Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton, the Western Journal reported. Blantons dismissal came just hours after House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said he had lost confidence in Blanton and 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. Chairman Steil Calls on Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton to Resign pic.twitter.com/klFYGejkVv, House Admin. 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.". Steil suggested that Congress could reorganize the Capitol Police board in light of Blantons failure to be on Capitol grounds. There were aggressive calls for Blantons resignation immediately following the shocking violence that unfolded during the January 6, 2021 insurrection. [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. The office of the architect did not immediately respond to requests for comment. He should resign or President Biden should remove him Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle jumped on that. Blanton also stated that on January 6 he was using his official vehicle as the Architect of the Capitol's mobile command post. Blanton denied any ethical violations during the hearing on Thursday. After doing our due diligence, the Architect of [the] Capitol was terminated at the Presidents direction, the official said in a statement. 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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. 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.". 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. All of those elements played into the January 6 riot on Capitol Hill. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy also called for Blanton's dismissal Monday. Morelle called for Blantons resignation last week. [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]. here for reprint permission. Blanton, was grilled last week by members of the House Committee on Administration during a hearing to review a federal watchdog report. He was confirmed by a voice vote in the Republican-led Senate 10 days later. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe link, found at the bottom of every email. The report, released on October 2022, found that Blanton "abused his authority, misused government property, and wasted taxpayer money, among other substantiated violations." He was the only member of the board who did not resign or lose 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. Flip. Ill note that it appears that Rep. Morelle is taking credit for Blantons termination. You have permission to edit this article. Driving the news: Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) praised the Biden administration for terminating Blanton. Blanton defended his absence on Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021, because, he said, there were too many people on the grounds. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. "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. Ranking Democrat Rep. Joe Morelle of New York questioned why he remained in the mobile command center. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy. Meanwhile, the inspector general's report said Blanton's adult child called it "free gas" for her. 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. The report is filled with errors, omissions, mischaracterizations, misstatements and conclusory statements lacking evidence.. Mr. Blanton was accused in the report of misrepresenting himself as a law enforcement officer, leading banned tours of the Capitol and misusing his government-issued vehicle. I am outraged to hear that you were be in a comfortable place, sir, while the rest of us were thinking about dying that day and how we were going to come out alive that day, Rep. Norma Torres (D-Calif.) said during the hearing, saying that a police officer could not close or lock a door because he did not have the keys. [10] Congressional representatives called for Blanton to resign. Blanton was appointed to the role by former President Donald Trump in 2019. 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 here for reprint permission. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Democratic lawmakers are calling for the resignation of J. Brett Blanton, the architect of the Capitol, over a scathing federal watchdog report that found he abused his During the pandemic, Blanton reportedly gave tours of the U.S. Capitol despite the official closure of the building to the public. 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. "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. He wasnt able to drive there. His refusal to be transparent and truthful has made clear that he can no longer lead the organization and must resign immediately," said Steil. CAPITOL HILL'S TOP MANAGER FACING MISCONDUCT HEARING FOR ALLEGED MISUSE OF POSITION. In another instance, he called himself an "agent" after he got in an accident at a brewery while using the vehicle on vacation, the report found. 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Blanton rebutted that he had identified himself as a member of the Capitol Police Board, which he is, and not an officer. 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.". 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. The Biden administration on Monday "terminated" the Architect of the Capitol, the White House confirmed. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. "Moreover, I have fully invested to ensure that I meet the responsibilities and the expectations of this role.". Spokane, Washington Est. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, the speaker tweeted Monday. Morelle and ranking member Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA) on the House Administration Subcommittee on Oversight each called on Blanton to step down Thursday after the hearing. J. Brett Blanton, the architect of the Capitol, speaks at the Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 29. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER. Click House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R 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. President Biden on Monday fired the Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton after a report alleged he abused his office. 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. Torres called for Blantons resignation shortly after the hearing. An inspector generalreportreleased in October found that Blanton and his family had misused Architect of the Capitol vehicles intended for home-to-work use as personal vehicles, resulting in nearly $14,000 worth of inappropriate costs. He was sworn in on Jan. 16, 2020. In the fall, an inspector general report accused 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. At the hearing, Blanton said he was frustrated by the current distraction created by the inspector generals report.. 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. 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. 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. He noted that the vehicle has a Capitol Police Department radio that he used to get real-time information to make leadership decisions during the riot. The House Republicans' Twitter account on Friday requested Biden to remove Blanton immediately. Biden terminated Blanton after bipartisan calls for his firing or resignation were sounded by members of Congress, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday. 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 R-Wisconsin, also called on Blanton to immediately resign. The pandemic popped San Francisco's progressive bubble, The cost of the Federal Reserve's 'full employment': Migrant child labor, Lori Lightfoot's next dancing TikTok video should be to "Bye Bye Bye", TikTok restricts teenager screen time as it faces threat of national ban, Lightfoot is out: Chicago mayor out four years after breaking onto scene as rising star, Republicans could force Bidens first veto with fights over ESG and DC crime law, Protesters thrown out of House China committee's first prime-time hearing. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. Blanton did himself few favors with his testimony to the House Administration Committee last week in which he admitted to being absent from the If you want the facts, then sign up below and join our movement for objective news: Get news from American Digest in your inbox. - 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. Calls for Mr. Blantons resignation grew since a contentious House hearing last week on the allegations of mismanagement highlighted in an October inspector generals report. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, Mr. McCarthy tweeted Monday. 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. "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. This was all while the government was footing the bill for her travels. 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.". Regardless of who has appointed them, government officials who misuse their privileges must be removed from their positions. Terms of Use / Privacy Policy / Manage Newsletters, - Wisconsin Rep. Bryan Steil, the Republican heading the committee, asked if Blanton had impersonated a law enforcement officer, as alleged in the report. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. Greg Nash/AP We publish the objective news, period. 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. The Architect was not on-site during the riot, but worked out of his government car. 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. Maybe Morelle forgot that Democrats lost control of the House. 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 inspector generals report, released in October, said Blanton had misused his government vehicle by driving it to vacation destinations and allowing his family to use it for personal matters. You can see things didnt go well for Blanton. CAPITOL HILL'S TOP MANAGER FACING MISCONDUCT HEARING FOR ALLEGED MISUSE OF POSITION The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no 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. Democratic New York Rep. Joe Morelle, ranking member of the House Administration Committee, confirmed the firing in a statement. Blanton was the only member of the Capitol Police Board who still had a job after the Jan. 6 riot. I look forward to working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new Architect immediately..
