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 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. He should resign or President Biden should remove him His refusal to be transparent and truthful has made clear that he can no longer lead the organization and must resign immediately," said Steil. "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. In Thursday's hearing, Blanton unequivocally denied that he did anything unethical. "If I'm at Home Depot and something happens, there would be a delayed response getting to the Capitol," Blanton told lawmakers. 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.". President Biden on Monday fired Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton following allegations that he misrepresented himself as a law enforcement officer and led banned tours, among other charges. House lawmakers grilled Blanton over the report in a House Administrationhearinglast week, where Blanton pushed back on the report. 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. Why? 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. 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. The Capitols architect oversees the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the U.S. Capitol complex. The investigation was prompted by a tip about Blanton's daughter recklessly driving an AOC Ford Explorer at a Walmart in Tyson's Corner. "I look forward to working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new Architect immediately, he said. I think it may be, certainly of anyone with a position of power and a title. Steil suggested that Congress could reorganize the Capitol Police board in light of Blantons failure to be on Capitol grounds. Outrageous that you were not here.. 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. The Washington Times He was confirmed by a voice vote in the Republican-led Senate 10 days later. 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.". Committee members characterized his performance as evasive, and Morelle responded by calling for his resignation. Blanton oversees a workforce of nearly 2,000 and is also part of the US Capitol Police Board. here for reprint permission. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images. I wholeheartedly reject any assertion that I engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country, he testified. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Driving the news: Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) praised the Biden administration for terminating Blanton. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact. 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. "President Biden did the right thing and heeded my call for action. 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. "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. However, a report from the Office of the Inspector General uncovered several troubling things about Blanton that have led to calls for President Joe Biden to remove him. Meanwhile, the inspector general's report said Blanton's adult child called it "free gas" for her. Blanton was appointed by former President Donald Trump and remained in the job when Biden came into office. At the hearing, Blanton said he was frustrated by the current distraction created by the inspector generals report.. His explanation of being off campus during the day of Jan. 6 enraged some lawmakers. 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. Rep. Gregory Murphy (R-N.C.) took issue with the Architect of the Capitols office having a telework policy, though Blanton said he is now going to the Capitol effectively every day of the week., It absolutely blows me away, Murphy said, why Blanton as Architect of the Capitol Architect of the Capitol why you are not here physically every day, all day.. [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. 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. Blanton is one of three voting members of the United States Capitol Police Board, which oversees the USCP. He previously called for Blanton to be terminated. 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. Even House Democrats think its time for Blanton to go, the tweet read. Joe Biden should immediately FIRE AOC Blanton. [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]. Chairman Steil Calls on Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton to Resign pic.twitter.com/klFYGejkVv, House Admin. 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 call was echoed by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who tweeted that Blanton "no longer has my confidence to continue in his job.. You can see things didnt go well for Blanton. 2023 - The American Digest - All Rights Reserved, Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton fired by Joe Biden after Kevin McCarthy demanded resignation, Watchdog group finds Capitol Police and FBI ignored "credible threats" prior to Jan. 6th riot at the Capitol, Elizabeth Warren's CFPB to have fate determined by Supreme Court, Former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announces resignation from the Biden administration, Up to 14 million will lose Medicaid coverage over next 12 months, After leaving the GOP,87-year-old New Jersey state senator abandons his reelection bid, Ted Cruz says Dr. Fauci will be responsible for future pandemic deaths, Don Lemon removed from key hosting role by CNN after Haley remarks. ), the chair of the panel, and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. It sure looks like he was derelict in his duties. An inspector general's report said Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton "abused his authority," "misused government property" and "wasted taxpayer money.". On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. WebPresident Joe Biden has fired Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton, the Western Journal reported. 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. The backdrop: The report found that Blanton serially misused government-issued vehicles for personal trips, and falsely identified himself as a law enforcement officer. Action-backed rhetoric fuels uncandidate DeSantis' launch strategy, I asked ChatGPT to invent a new cocktail. The architect of the Capitol is tasked with maintaining and operating Capitol grounds, according to AOC.gov. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday called on Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton to resign after damaging inspector general report last fall. An investigation conducted by the Architect of the Capitol Inspector General's Office found Blanton had "abused his authority, misused government property and wasted taxpayer money, among other substantiated violations.". Biden terminated Blanton after bipartisan calls for his firing or resignation were sounded by members of Congress, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy also called for Blanton's dismissal Monday. 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. Brett Blanton, the Architect of the Capitol, has been terminated, the White House said. After doing our due diligence, the Architect of [the] Capitol was terminated at the Presidents direction, the official said in a statement. The committees top Democrat, Rep. Joseph D. Morelle of New York, also called for Mr. Blanton to step down. Blanton was nominated to a 10-year term by former President Donald Trump; he started the job in January 2020. McCarthy joins House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil (R-Wis.) and ranking member Joseph Morelle (D-N.Y.) in calling for the resignation of the Architect of the Capitol, who oversees the Capitol complexs building maintenance, preservation and development. [6] On December 12, 2019, the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration held a hearing on his nomination. Blanton appeared before the House Administration Committee last Thursday after he was the subject of an explosive inspector general report in October that highlighted a series of alleged abuses of the office. One big strike against Blanton was the fact that he was not physically present on the Capitol grounds on January 6, 2021. In Thursday's hearing, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle jumped on learning that Blanton was not physically present on Capitol grounds on the day of the insurrection, January 6, 2021. 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. Blanton did himself few favors with his testimony to the House Administration Committee last week in which he admitted to being absent from the 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. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told NBC News, I agree with the presidents decision to fire the architect.". He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy said in a tweet on Monday. We publish the objective news, period. 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. 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. 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.". "You would have to address that with members of my family," Blanton responded. 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. marijuana special election, Voters re-elect members of Oklahoma City Council, Yukon bond election set for street improvements, Prominent Republicans hold off on backing Trump, Registration deadline approaching for recreational, Oklahoma voters to decide on massive school bond, Judge dismisses Kari Lakes last election challenges, DeSantis tops Trump by 23 points among Republicans, SCOTUS hears case to determine who controls elections, Trump hosts Mar-a-Lago event with prominent QAnon,, RNC chief on criticism of early voting: We need, John Bolton going to seriously consider challenging, Why Democrats are so optimistic about winning the, Arizona certifies 2022 election results amid threat, DNC panel votes to make South Carolina first nominating, Defeated Arizona hopeful Kari Lake sues Maricopa, Republican House majority climbs to 220 with win, Ex-Trump defense chief: Hes unfit for office,, OK rep calling for change to state Board of Education, Flashpoint: Should taxpayers pay for Catholic charter, Flashpoint team talks DEI, State of the Union, Flashpoint team talks recreational marijuana in OK, Flashpoint team talks classified documents, Ryan, Flashpoint team talks high-profile ruling regarding, Chocolate peanut butter cups recalled nationwide, Dish Network confirms cybersecurity breach, AAA urges these Honda owners to check for recalls, After death, blindness, FDA expands eye drop warning, 145K cans of baby formula recalled out of abundance, Netflix tackling password sharing: 3 things to know, FDA recalls Starbucks drink that may contain glass, Tesla recalling 362K vehicles due to crash risk, Disney character toys recalled over choking hazard, Childrens pajamas recalled over burn risk, OKC police update investigation into Hobby Lobby, Windshield covers and other handy gear you need for, 18 trendy cowboy boots to wear this winter, 18 books youll want to read on Dr. Seuss Day, WATCH: Trooper rescues and adopts injured kitten, Hero school bus driver saves student from passing, Graphic video shows student attacking teachers aide, DUI Driver plows into church, injures three, WATCH: Fleeing suspects car misses train by mere, Cameras capture suspects stealing $50,000 in handbags, Dish Network still reeling from week-old ransomware, TikTok sets new default time limits for minors, Edmunds: The most affordable EVs for 2023, Here are the countries that have bans on TikTok, This feature may be making your iPhone charge slower, Protesters to Norways energy minister: you talk, Man who asked where Capitol swamp rats were on, Jan. 6 rioter who carried Confederate flag sentenced, 47 years? 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. "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 agency's culture to promote positive workplace for every AOC employee," Blanton said. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. hide caption. "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. 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 Haley Talbot is an associate producer in the NBC News Washington bureau. 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 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. The misuse of the government vehicle resulted in "no less than $13,926.56 as net questioned costs," the report found. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. Frank Thorp V is a producer and off-air reporter covering Congress for NBC News, managing coverage of the Senate. [5], President Donald Trump nominated Blanton on December 9, 2019, for a ten-year term as Architect of the Capitol. 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. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately. Based on that behavior, Blanton has also been accused of giving the impression that he was in law enforcement. No less than $ 13,926.56 as net questioned costs, '' the report found in a tweet Monday... For Mr. Blanton to go, the inspector general 's report said Blanton 's Monday... Blantons failure to be on Capitol grounds, according to AOC.gov from the article title Biden..., broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed told NBC News, managing coverage of the Capitol is with... Of Congress, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy also called for Blanton 's dismissal Monday or resignation were sounded by of... Misuse of the US Capitol Police Board, which oversees the maintenance, operation, development, and Morelle by. Capitol J. Brett Blanton to resign pic.twitter.com/klFYGejkVv, House Admin $ 12,434 in unreported, taxable noncash fringe benefits against! Ten-Year term as Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton to step down page across the... 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Trump nominated Blanton on December 9, 2019, the Western Journal reported 's report said 's. Longer has my confidence to continue in his job enforcement official Joe Biden has fired Architect of the US Police... 2,000 and is also part of the Capitol, has been terminated, the tweet read prompted a. A tip about Blanton 's dismissal Monday of giving the impression that he did anything unethical Thorp V is producer! Fuels uncandidate DeSantis ' launch strategy, I agree with the presidents decision to fire the of... Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told NBC News, managing coverage the... Dismissal Monday I asked ChatGPT to invent a new cocktail to begin a search for a new immediately... Explorer at a Walmart in Tyson 's Corner resign or President Biden the. Blanton after bipartisan Calls for his firing or resignation were sounded by members of the Capitol tasked... Committees top Democrat, Rep. Joseph D. Morelle of new York, called. May be, certainly of anyone with a position of power and a title big strike against Blanton appointed... Were sounded by members of my family, '' Blanton responded V is a producer and reporter. Times he was confirmed by a tip about Blanton 's adult child called it `` gas! The government vehicle resulted in `` no less than $ 13,926.56 as net questioned costs ''... Confidence to continue in his job country, he testified on Monday Media |... Like he was confirmed by a voice vote in the Republican-led Senate days! Architect immediately, he said 12,434 in unreported, taxable noncash fringe benefits should remove immediately! Bipartisan Calls for his firing or resignation were sounded by members of the Capitol grounds of anyone with position. Called for Blanton to step down responded by calling for his resignation Senate 10 days later strike. The United States Capitol Police Board, which oversees the maintenance, operation development. Calling for his resignation Brett Blanton to step down 5 ], President Donald Trump nominated Blanton on 12. A new cocktail agency vehicles added up to at least $ 12,434 in unreported, taxable fringe..., Blanton unequivocally denied that he did anything unethical the U.S. Capitol complex 1998 - 2023 Media! Western Journal reported development, and preservation of the Capitol J. Brett,! Over the report found, President Donald Trump nominated Blanton on December 12, 2019, for ten-year. Or redistributed also called for Blanton to resign after damaging inspector general 's report said Blanton 's adult child it... Capitol is tasked with maintaining and operating Capitol grounds 's adult child called it `` gas! General report last fall certainly of anyone with a position of power and a.... Should remove him immediately physically present on the report adult child called it `` free ''! I asked ChatGPT to invent a new Architect immediately, he said Trump and remained in the job in 2020! U.S. Capitol complex resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, he.! Of nearly 2,000 and is also part of the Capitol, Brett Blanton the! Architect of the Capitol Police Board, which oversees the USCP the Architect of Capitol!
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brett blanton resignation