"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. 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. 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. "We take the IG report seriously and the request from members of Congress seriously as well and are evaluating next steps," she said. Chairman Steil Calls on Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton to Resign pic.twitter.com/klFYGejkVv, House Admin. On February 13, 2023, President Joe Biden terminated Blanton's appointment as Architect of the Capitol.[2]. Blanton responded that he did not have police radios and sufficient equipment in his house. Regardless of who has appointed them, government officials who misuse their privileges must be removed from their positions. 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 general was first alerted to these problems through a complaint on a hotline on March 7, 2021. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe link, found at the bottom of every email. "President Biden did the right thing and heeded my call for action. The backdrop: The report found that Blanton serially misused government-issued vehicles for personal trips, and falsely identified himself as a law enforcement officer. You have permission to edit this article. 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, of abusing his authority. 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. 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. NPR's Scott Detrow contributed to this report. 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 Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job," House Speaker Kevin McCarthy tweeted Monday. The report accused Blanton of ethics violations, abuse of government funds and wasting taxpayer money. Maybe Morelle forgot that Democrats lost control of the House. 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. 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 []. The Architect of the Capitol is responsible for maintaining and operating Capitol grounds, and sits on the Capitol Police Board. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. Ranking Democrat Rep. Joe Morelle of New York questioned why he remained in the mobile command center. 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? (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. Biden "terminated" Blanton amid bipartisan calls for his firing or resignation, including from House Speaker Kevin McCarthy earlier on Monday, the official said. 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. Blanton said he was monitoring developments remotely during the Jan. 6 riot. His explanation of being off campus during the day of Jan. 6 enraged some lawmakers. 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. The Architect of the Capitol is responsible for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the United States Capitol Complex. 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 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "Moreover, I have fully invested to ensure that I meet the responsibilities and the expectations of this role.". 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 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. 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 denied wrongdoing in a Feb. 9 hearing. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately. I wholeheartedly reject any assertion that I engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country, he testified. Brett Blanton, the Architect of the Capitol, has been terminated, the White House said. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy. 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. On December 16, 2019, the Committee reported his nomination favorably to the Senate floor. here for reprint permission. Blanton served in the Navy Civil Engineer Corps for 22 years. Blanton responded that he did not have police radios and sufficient equipment in his house. Blanton was appointed in 2019 by President Donald Trump to a ten-year term. Previous:McCarthy calls on the Architect of the Capitol to resign after damaging IG report. 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. 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. The vehicle was driven for some 30,000 miles despite limitations to use for official work only. Ranking member Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) was so unsatisfied by Blantons performance, he called for his resignation #FireBlanton https://t.co/Ijf1xNCsxY. President Biden did the right thing and heeded my call for action. Based on that behavior, Blanton has also been accused of giving the impression that he was in law enforcement. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. Copyright 2023 HotAir.com/Salem Media. Blanton was three years into a 10-year-long term. He obviously Democratic New York Rep. Joe Morelle, ranking member of the House Administration Committee, confirmed the firing in a statement. 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. 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.". Architect of the Capitol, Office of the Inspector General. He was sworn in on Jan. 16, 2020. The inspector general found that Blanton's wife made "multiple social media posts" about the tours. 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. 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. I look forward to working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new Architect immediately," he said in a statement. 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. The House Republicans' Twitter account on Friday requested Biden to remove Blanton immediately. "The Inspector General's report was highly concerning, which is, in part, why our first hearing was dedicated to providing oversight over the AOC. He said he was using his official vehicle at the mobile command post. 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. Even House Democrats think its time for Blanton to go, the tweet read. The White House said Monday that Blantons [4] He retired from the Navy in 2015. [6] On December 12, 2019, the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration held a hearing on his nomination. J. Brett Blanton, the architect of the Capitol, speaks at the Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 29. 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. 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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. The inspector general's report was released last fall, but Blanton found himself in the hot seat again last week during a House Administration Committee hearing, where he told lawmakers that he wasn't on the grounds during the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. "The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. $12,434 in unreported, taxable noncash fringe benefits. Blanton also allegedly misrepresented himself as a law enforcement official. I look forward to working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new architect immediately, Morelle said. 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 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 Capitols architect oversees the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the U.S. Capitol complex. Sign up now to get the Washington Examiners breaking news and timely commentary delivered right to your inbox. U.S. Capitol Architect, Brett Blanton, remains under scrutiny after an intense House of Administration hearing, last Thursday. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. No Architect has ever been removed by Congress, but the Senate is considering legislation that would clarify that the position is subject to impeachment. Doctors prescribe Ozempic off label: Is that OK? ", "I wholeheartedly reject any assertation that I've engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country," Blanton said. 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.. "He should resign, or President Biden should remove him immediately," the California Republican added. He has repeatedly abused taxpayer dollars.Even House Democrats think its time for Blanton to go. CNN has reached out to the office of the Architect of the Capitol for response to McCarthy's call for Blanton's resignation. 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. Top four leaders in Congress and the chairmen and vice chairmen of the for! 6 riot to this country, he testified of every email have police radios sufficient. Was using his official vehicle at the bottom of every email, has called... Of ethics violations, abuse of government funds and wasting taxpayer money Capitol for to! Intense House of Administration hearing, last Thursday government officials who misuse their privileges be... 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