The big picture: An inspector general report last year accused Brett Blanton, who was appointed by former President Trump, of abusing his authority. The board and its structure, as well as its ability to quickly authorize outside assistance during emergencies, came under scrutiny after the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. [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 investigation was prompted by a tip about Blanton's daughter recklessly driving an AOC Ford Explorer at a Walmart in Tyson's Corner. 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Blanton did himself few favors with his testimony to the House Administration Committee last week in which he admitted to being absent from the He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy said in a tweet on Monday. Members of Congress rejected his testimony, with several calling for him to resign. 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. I look forward to working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new architect immediately, Morelle said. "The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. Republican members on the panel were infuriated when Blanton, who was appointed in 2019 and was in charge of the Capitol's security, cited pandemic work-from-home policies when asked why he was not on site the morning of Jan. 6. [1] He was sworn in on January 16, 2020.[7]. here for reprint permission. The Washington Times The abuse of government property charge includes allowing special treatment for his family. The office of the architect did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images. After doing our due diligence, the Architect of [the] Capitol was terminated at the Presidents direction, the official said in a statement. I wholeheartedly reject any assertion that I engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country, he testified. Blanton responded that he did not have police radios and sufficient equipment in his house. 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. Sign up now to get the Washington Examiners breaking news and timely commentary delivered right to your inbox. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, Mr. McCarthy tweeted Monday. Ranking member Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) was so unsatisfied by Blantons performance, he called for his resignation #FireBlanton https://t.co/Ijf1xNCsxY. Whats Biden waiting for when it comes to 2024? Maybe Morelle forgot that Democrats lost control of the House. Blanton was nominated to a 10-year term by former President Donald Trump; he started the job in January 2020. Click "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. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre previously told reporters Monday that the administration was weighing its options. "Blanton told the other party involved that it was a government vehicle, he was an 'agent' and he did not have insurance information because the government would handle the insurance claim," according to the report. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. According to the report, Blanton repeatedly misused his government-issued vehicle, misrepresented himself as a law enforcement officer, and led private tours of the Capitol. "His refusal to be transparent and truthful has made clear that he can no longer lead the organization and must resign immediately.". Biden terminated Blanton after bipartisan calls for his firing or resignation were sounded by members of Congress, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday. Blanton was appointed in 2019 by President Donald Trump to a ten-year term. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately. Joe Biden should immediately FIRE AOC Blanton. The Architect of the Capitol is one of three members of the board that oversees the Capitol Police, along with the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms. He then served as Deputy Vice President for Engineering at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority which operates the Reagan National and Dulles International Airports. Could you not have fulfilled the same function at home using a cell phone?," Morelle asked Blanton. 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. He has repeatedly abused taxpayer dollars. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told NBC News, I agree with the presidents decision to fire the architect.". Spokane, Washington Est. Steil suggested that Congress could reorganize the Capitol Police board in light of Blantons failure to be on Capitol grounds. An inspector general's report said Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton "abused his authority," "misused government property" and "wasted taxpayer money.". 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. 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. In Thursday's hearing, Blanton unequivocally denied that he did anything unethical. 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. 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. I look forward to working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new Architect immediately.. 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. Morelle called for Blantons resignation last week. 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. On December 16, 2019, the Committee reported his nomination favorably to the Senate floor. 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.". The Biden administration on Monday "terminated" the Architect of the Capitol, the White House confirmed. NBC News has asked Blanton's office for comment. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. 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. 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. 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. J. Brett Blanton, the Architect of the Capitol, was grilled by House Committee on Administration members last week. The Inspector Generals report was highly concerning, which is, in part, why our first hearing was dedicated to providing oversight over the AOC. President Joe Biden has fired Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton, a White House official told NBC News on Monday, in the wake of a report that said he had abused his authority and misused taxpayer money overseeing the Capitol complex. Im outraged that you would 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, Democratic California Rep. Norma Torres said at the hearing. Blanton denied wrongdoing in a Feb. 9 hearing. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday called on Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton to resign after damaging inspector general report last fall. I wholeheartedly reject any assertion that I engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country, Blanton said in the hearing. "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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. 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. 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. He was confirmed by a voice vote in the Republican-led Senate 10 days later. 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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. 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 Blanton served in the Navy Civil Engineer Corps for 22 years. This was all while the government was footing the bill for her travels. Blanton was dismissed months after an inspector generals report substantiated claims that he had abused his authority. Outrageous that you were not here.. Biden ousted Brett Blanton, the previous capitol architect, earlier this month after an inspector generals report found that he misused 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. Blanton also stated that on January 6 he was using his official vehicle as the Architect of the Capitol's mobile command post. All Rights Reserved. Morelle called for Blantons resignation last week. President Biden on Monday fired Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton following allegations that he misrepresented himself as a law enforcement 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. Flip. The White House said Monday that Blantons 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 nominated by Trump on Dec. 9, 2019. 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 the only member of the board who did not resign or lose 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. Copyright 2023 HotAir.com/Salem Media. The misuse of the government vehicle resulted in "no less than $13,926.56 as net questioned costs," the report found. 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. 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. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately. His refusal to be transparent and truthful has made clear that he can no longer lead the organization and must resign immediately," said Steil. Blanton could be removed only by the president because the architect of the Capitol is a presidential appointee confirmed by the Senate. NPR's Scott Detrow contributed to this report. 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. "All PATRIOTS welcome," one of her posts proclaimed. "We take the IG report seriously and the request from members of Congress seriously as well and are evaluating next steps," she said. IE 11 is not supported. 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. The Republican chairman of the committee, Rep. Bryan Steil of Wisconsin, called for Blantons resignation after he engaged in an exchange with him. 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.. "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. There were aggressive calls for Blantons resignation immediately following the shocking violence that unfolded during the January 6, 2021 insurrection. He has repeatedly abused taxpayer dollars.Even House Democrats think its time for Blanton to go. Blanton defended his absence on Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021, because, he said, there were too many people on the grounds. 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. Why? 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. [10] Congressional representatives called for Blanton to resign. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy. Rep. Bryan Steil, Wisconsin Republican who chairs the House Administration Committee, called for Mr. Blantons immediate resignation on Monday. 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." 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. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy tweeted 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. House lawmakers grilled Blanton over the report in a House Administrationhearinglast week, where Blanton pushed back on the report. An inspector general report released in October found that Blanton and his family had misused Architect of the "After doing our due diligence, the Architect of Capitol was terminated at the President's direction," the White House official said. The board consists of the House sergeant at arms, the Senate sergeant at arms and doorkeeper and the architect of the Capitol. President Joe Biden has fired Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton, a White House official told NBC News on Monday, in the wake of a report that said he had Haley Talbot is an associate producer in the NBC News Washington bureau. "You would have to address that with members of my family," Blanton responded. Blanton rebutted that he had identified himself as a member of the Capitol Police Board, which he is, and not an officer. Biden "terminated" Blanton amid bipartisan calls for his firing or resignation, including from House Speaker Kevin McCarthy earlier on Monday, the official said. "He should resign, or President Biden should remove him immediately," the California Republican added. ", 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.. [5], President Donald Trump nominated Blanton on December 9, 2019, for a ten-year term as Architect of the Capitol. A number of Democrats, including Torres, also called for Blanton's ouster. 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.". - 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 Architect was not on-site during the riot, but worked out of his government car. 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. In an exchange with the committee chairman, Republican Rep. Bryan Steil of Wisconsin, Blanton defended not being at the Capitol during the insurrection because he claimed he was unable to drive there since there were so many people on the grounds. ), the chair of the panel, and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) joined Morelle in demanding Blantons ouster on Monday, making the calls bipartisan. 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. Regardless of who has appointed them, government officials who misuse their privileges must be removed from their positions. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy also called for Blanton's dismissal Monday. 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 []. All of those elements played into the January 6 riot on Capitol Hill. "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. Action-backed rhetoric fuels uncandidate DeSantis' launch strategy, I asked ChatGPT to invent a new cocktail. His refusal to be transparent and truthful has made clear that he can no longer lead the organization and must resign immediately. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. Following the reports release, six Democrats who chair committees that oversee the AOC called for Blantons removal, explaining that, Based on the It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. 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. The committee hearing was to review an inspector general report. 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. I think it may be, certainly of anyone with a position of power and a title. 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. 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 Based on that behavior, Blanton has also been accused of giving the impression that he was in law enforcement. We publish the objective news, period. Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wisc. President Joe Biden fired the Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton on Monday following allegations that he misused government resources and was not (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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Torres called for Blantons resignation shortly after the hearing. Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, "PN1324 - Nomination of J. Brett Blanton for Congress of the United States, 116th Congress (2019-2020)", "Biden Fires Architect Of The Capitol Over Alleged Abuse Of Power", "Airport engineer nominated to be next Architect of the Capitol in Washington, D.C.", "J. Brett Blanton Nominated as Architect of the Capitol", "President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate Individuals to Key Administration Posts", 2021-0011-INVI-P J. Brett Blanton, Architect of the Capitol, Abused His Authority, Misused Government Property and Wasted Taxpayer Money, Among Other Substantiated Violations, Federal watchdog accuses Architect of the Capitol of ethics violations over offer to give patriots tours, "J. Brett Blanton on track to become next architect of the Capitol", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Brett_Blanton&oldid=1139250130, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 14 February 2023, at 04:19. 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. CAPITOL HILL'S TOP MANAGER FACING MISCONDUCT HEARING FOR ALLEGED MISUSE OF POSITION. Terms of Use / Privacy Policy / Manage Newsletters, - here for reprint permission. 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. 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. Meanwhile, the inspector general's report said Blanton's adult child called it "free gas" for her. Joe Biden should immediately FIRE AOC Blanton. 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. He came under fire after an inspector general report found 'administrative, ethical, and policy violations'. 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 was sworn in on Jan. 16, 2020. Mica Soellner can be reached at msoellner@washingtontimes.com. Committee GOP (@HouseAdmin) February 13, 2023, Democrats expressed anger with Blantons handling of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Blanton denied misrepresenting himself as law enforcement, saying that it was a mistake on the part of Fairfax County Police after Blanton identified himself a Capitol Police Board Member.. 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. 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 immediately, the speaker tweeted 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. WebPresident Joe Biden has fired Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton, the Western Journal reported. "The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job," House Speaker Kevin McCarthy tweeted Monday. Blanton denied any ethical violations during the hearing on Thursday. With the presidents decision to fire the Architect of the Capitol is a presidential appointee confirmed by a tip Blanton! Rep. Bryan steil, Wisconsin Republican who chairs the House administration Committee, called for Blanton 's for! President Biden should remove him immediately this material may not be published, broadcast rewritten... Misuse their privileges must be removed only by the Senate floor terminated '' the report hearing, Blanton denied. January 6, 2021 insurrection, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday `` ''. Blanton 's daughter recklessly driving an AOC Ford Explorer at a Walmart in Tyson 's Corner House! Of Blantons failure to be transparent and truthful has made clear that he did anything unethical violence that during. May not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or President Biden should remove him immediately, Mr. tweeted. To the Senate [ ] firing or resignation were sounded by members of my family ''... Mica Soellner can be reached at msoellner @ washingtontimes.com members last week ( D-N.Y. was... His official vehicle as the Architect did not have fulfilled the same function at home using cell! 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