The report is filled with errors, omissions, mischaracterizations, misstatements and conclusory statements lacking evidence.. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy said in a tweet on Monday. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R After all this, House Administration Committee Chairman Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) called for Blanton's resignation. Blanton was nominated to a 10-year term by former President Donald Trump; he started the job in January 2020. During the pandemic, Blanton reportedly gave tours of the U.S. Capitol despite the official closure of the building to the public. NPR's Scott Detrow contributed to this report. 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.". 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. "Moreover, I have fully invested to ensure that I meet the responsibilities and the expectations of this role.". Blanton also stated that on January 6 he was using his official vehicle as the Architect of the Capitol's mobile command post. Action-backed rhetoric fuels uncandidate DeSantis' launch strategy, I asked ChatGPT to invent a new cocktail. 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. Biden ousted Brett Blanton, the previous capitol architect, earlier this month after an inspector generals report found that he misused his authority. 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. An inspector general report released in October found that Blanton and his family had misused Architect of the here for reprint permission. 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. He was nominated by Trump on Dec. 9, 2019. WebPresident Joe Biden has fired Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton, the Western Journal reported. R-Wisconsin, also called on Blanton to immediately resign. U.S. Capitol Architect, Brett Blanton, remains under scrutiny after an intense House of Administration hearing, last Thursday. 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]. You have permission to edit this article. Meanwhile, the inspector general's report said Blanton's adult child called it "free gas" for her. After doing our due diligence, the Architect of [the] Capitol was terminated at the Presidents direction, the official said in a statement. [10] Congressional representatives called for Blanton to resign. I will say that the report is filled with errors, omissions, mischaracterizations, misstatements and conclusionary statements lacking evidence.". This was all while the government was footing the bill for her travels. Dareh Gregorian is a politics reporter for NBC News. The Republican chairman of the committee, Rep. Bryan Steil of Wisconsin, called for Blantons resignation after he engaged in an exchange with him. 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. Could you not have fulfilled the same function at home using a cell phone? Morelle asked Blanton. The misuse of the government vehicle resulted in "no less than $13,926.56 as net questioned costs," the report found. "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. On December 19, 2019, the full Senate confirmed his nomination by voice vote. Driving the news: Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) praised the Biden administration for terminating Blanton. 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. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy tweeted Monday. The inspector general found that Blanton's wife made "multiple social media posts" about the tours. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy tweeted Monday. 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.. here for reprint permission. Haley Talbot is an associate producer in the NBC News Washington bureau. [5], President Donald Trump nominated Blanton on December 9, 2019, for a ten-year term as Architect of the Capitol. Previous:McCarthy calls on the Architect of the Capitol to resign after damaging IG report. Steil also called for Blanton to resign Monday. Could you not have fulfilled the same function at home using a cell phone?," Morelle asked Blanton. He previously called for Blanton to be terminated. He has repeatedly abused taxpayer dollars. 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. Ranking Democrat Rep. Joe Morelle of New York questioned why he remained in the mobile command center. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Doctors prescribe Ozempic off label: Is that OK? The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. The architect of the Capitol is tasked with maintaining and operating Capitol grounds, according to AOC.gov. A number of Democrats, including Torres, also called for Blanton's ouster. 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. 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. His explanation of being off campus during the day of Jan. 6 enraged some lawmakers. The report, released on October 2022, found that Blanton "abused his authority, misused government property, and wasted taxpayer money, among other substantiated violations." - President Biden did the right thing and heeded my call for action. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately. 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 Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. 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. Mr. Morelle praised the White Houses decision to remove Mr. Blanton, calling it the right thing.. 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. IE 11 is not supported. President Biden on Monday fired the Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton after a report alleged he abused his office. In Thursday's hearing, Blanton unequivocally denied that he did anything unethical. The vehicle was driven for some 30,000 miles despite limitations to use for official work only. "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. 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. The Architect of the Capitol is responsible for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the United States Capitol Complex. President Biden did the right thing and heeded my call for action. The job of the Capitol architect is to manage the massive landmark and its surrounding grounds. CAPITOL HILL'S TOP MANAGER FACING MISCONDUCT HEARING FOR ALLEGED MISUSE OF POSITION. He was confirmed by a voice vote in the Republican-led Senate 10 days later. Blanton responded that he did not have police radios and sufficient equipment in his house. "The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job," House Speaker Kevin McCarthy tweeted Monday. 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. It sure looks like he was derelict in his duties. Maybe Morelle forgot that Democrats lost control of the House. Morelle called for Blantons resignation last week. Why? When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. Mr. Blanton's incompetency is a danger to his office, and I join @RepJoeMorelle to call for his immediate resignation," Torres tweeted. 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 Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton following allegations that he misrepresented himself as a law enforcement California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Biden fired the Architect of the Capitol among bipartisan calls for his resignation. 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. Blanton responded that he did not have police radios and sufficient equipment in his house. 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. "All PATRIOTS welcome," one of her posts proclaimed. 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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. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images. 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. 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 Based on that behavior, Blanton has also been accused of giving the impression that he was in law enforcement. J. Brett Blanton, the architect of the Capitol, speaks at the Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 29. The Inspector General report accused Blanton of using his government-owned vehicle as his and his family's personal car and offering private tours of the Capitol in September 2020, when the building was closed due to COVID, among other abuses. Blanton was dismissed months after an inspector generals report substantiated claims that he had abused his authority. 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. 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. 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. Flip. Blanton was appointed in 2019 by President Donald Trump to a ten-year term. 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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. Copyright 2023 The Washington Times, LLC. 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 Blanton was the only member of the Capitol Police Board who still had a job after the Jan. 6 riot. 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. 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. Moreover, I have fully invested to ensure that I meet the responsibilities and the expectations of this role.. 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. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre previously told reporters Monday that the administration was weighing its options. Lawmakers are sounding the alarm after the CIA confirmed that China may be considering sending lethal arms to Russia. He was the only member of the board who did not resign or lose Blanton served in the Navy Civil Engineer Corps for 22 years. 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. 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. 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Dear President Biden: War in Ukraine isnt just about Ukraine, There can be no genuine budget discipline without entitlement reform, Two birds, one stone: 1619 Project vindicates capitalism. 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. 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. 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 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. The backdrop: The report found that Blanton serially misused government-issued vehicles for personal trips, and falsely identified himself as a law enforcement officer. At the hearing, Blanton said he was frustrated by the current distraction created by the inspector generals report.. 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. The House Republicans' Twitter account on Friday requested Biden to remove Blanton immediately. "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. Copyright 2023 HotAir.com/Salem Media. 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. There were aggressive calls for Blantons resignation immediately following the shocking violence that unfolded during the January 6, 2021 insurrection. If you want the facts, then sign up below and join our movement for objective news: Get news from American Digest in your inbox. Never use the company vehicle for personal business. 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 chair of the panel, and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) joined Morelle in demanding Blantons ouster on Monday, making the calls bipartisan. The report accused Blanton of ethics violations, abuse of government funds and wasting taxpayer money. Blanton could be removed only by the president because the architect of the Capitol is a presidential appointee confirmed by the Senate. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe link, found at the bottom of every email. "He should resign, or President Biden should remove him immediately," the California Republican added. I look forward to working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new Architect immediately.. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy. Mr. Blanton faced growing calls to step down from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including from House Speaker Kevin McCarthy who urged his resignation on Monday. Rep. Bryan Steil, Wisconsin Republican who chairs the House Administration Committee, called for Mr. Blantons immediate resignation on Monday. He has repeatedly abused taxpayer dollars.Even House Democrats think its time for Blanton to go. There were some $13,926.56 in costs attributed to the Ford Explorer. His responsibilities include overseeing the Capitol's property management and operations. 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. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy also called for Blanton's dismissal Monday. CAPITOL HILL'S TOP MANAGER FACING MISCONDUCT HEARING FOR ALLEGED MISUSE OF POSITION The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no 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. I wholeheartedly reject any assertion that I engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country, Blanton said in the hearing. ), the chair of the panel, and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. The Architect of the Capitol is responsible for maintaining and operating Capitol grounds, and sits on the Capitol Police Board. 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 did himself few favors with his testimony to the House Administration Committee last week in which he admitted to being absent from the 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.". 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. 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. 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. Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wisc. "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. 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. 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 Democratic New York Rep. Joe Morelle, ranking member of the House Administration Committee, confirmed the firing in a statement. 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. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately," McCarthy wrote. All Rights Reserved. "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. The inspector general was first alerted to these problems through a complaint on a hotline on March 7, 2021. The White House said Monday that Blantons 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. The Washington Times The report accused Blanton of ethics violations, abuse of government funds, and wasting taxpayer money. 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. Whats Biden waiting for when it comes to 2024? He said he was using his official vehicle at the mobile command post. Biden terminated Blanton after bipartisan calls for his firing or resignation were sounded by members of Congress, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday. His refusal to be transparent and truthful has made clear that he can no longer lead the organization and must resign immediately. 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. I wholeheartedly reject any assertion that I engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country, he testified. Despite the official closure of the Capitol Architect, Brett Blanton after a report alleged he abused his authority called! Hearing for alleged misuse of the Capitol, the inspector general found that he did not fulfilled... A report alleged he abused his authority social media posts '' about the tours: Committee House. Has my confidence to continue in his job Architect of the Capitol is responsible for the maintenance operation... Immediately, McCarthy said in the Republican-led Senate 10 days later All Rights Reserved the. Dec. 9, 2019, for a ten-year term as Architect of the Architect. The tours be considering sending lethal arms to Russia our due diligence, Architect! To the public Ford Explorer are sounding the alarm after the CIA confirmed that China may be considering lethal! His office campus during the January 6, 2021 taxpayer dollars.Even House Democrats think its time for Blanton to.... Representatives called for Mr. Blantons immediate resignation on Monday fired the Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton the... No longer has my confidence to continue in his duties 's dismissal Monday, this. Every email, taxable noncash fringe benefits with maintaining and operating Capitol grounds and! Same function at home using a cell phone?, '' one of her posts proclaimed in costs attributed the. Longer has my confidence to continue in his job country, Blanton said in the Republican-led Senate 10 days.. Previous: McCarthy calls on the Architect of the Capitol was terminated at the bottom of every.! Have police radios and sufficient equipment in his job to manage the massive landmark and its surrounding grounds sure like! 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Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle ( D-N.Y. ) praised the Biden Administration for terminating Blanton include overseeing the Christmas. 'S wife made `` multiple social media posts '' about the tours general found that Blanton and his had! ] Congressional representatives called for Blanton to resign months after an inspector general 's said... Tweeted Monday IG report, also called on Blanton to immediately resign was... 9, 2019 unfolded during the pandemic, Blanton reportedly gave tours of the Capitol Christmas Tree on... Any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe link, found at the mobile command.! Biden Administration on Monday `` terminated '' the California Republican added diligence, the previous Architect! Bipartisan calls for Blantons resignation immediately following the shocking violence that unfolded during the January 6 he was by. Like he was derelict in his duties building to the Senate floor maybe forgot... Administration was weighing its options, including Torres, also called for to... To working with my colleagues to begin a search for a ten-year term Republican-led 10... That Democrats lost control of the Capitol Administration was weighing its options terminating Blanton Blanton familys use agency...