If you want the facts, then sign up below and join our movement for objective news: Get news from American Digest in your inbox. (RELATED: Capitol Police Downplayed Intelligence From Security Firm Warning Of Capitol Riot). After doing our due diligence, the Architect of [the] Capitol was terminated at the Presidents direction, the official said in a statement. The Architect of the Capitol is responsible for maintaining and operating Capitol grounds, and sits on the Capitol Police Board. The job of the Capitol architect is to manage the massive landmark and its surrounding grounds. 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. The report is filled with errors, omissions, mischaracterizations, misstatements and conclusory statements lacking evidence.. 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. Based on that behavior, Blanton has also been accused of giving the impression that he was in law enforcement. NPR's Scott Detrow contributed to this report. Could you not have fulfilled the same function at home using a cell phone?," Morelle asked Blanton. 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. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. The Biden administration on Monday "terminated" the Architect of the Capitol, the White House confirmed. Could you not have fulfilled the same function at home using a cell phone? Morelle asked Blanton. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. On December 19, 2019, the full Senate confirmed his nomination by voice vote. This was all while the government was footing the bill for her travels. 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"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. 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.". 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. 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. Copyright 2023 HotAir.com/Salem Media. 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. Blanton was appointed by former President Donald Trump and remained in the job when Biden came into office. 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. He has repeatedly abused taxpayer dollars.Even House Democrats think its time for Blanton to go. The investigation was prompted by a tip about Blanton's daughter recklessly driving an AOC Ford Explorer at a Walmart in Tyson's Corner. 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.". "Moreover, I have fully invested to ensure that I meet the responsibilities and the expectations of this role.". 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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, Mr. Morelle said in a statement. NBC News has asked Blanton's office for comment. [3] Blanton is a Licensed Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering and a Certified Energy Manager. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. In a statement Monday, Morelle praised Biden for doing "the right thing" by dismissing Blanton. IE 11 is not supported. Blanton reportedly allowed the vehicle to be operated by his adult daughter and his wife against regulations while the American taxpayers footed the bill. President 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. 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. The architect of the Capitol is tasked with maintaining and operating Capitol grounds, according to AOC.gov. 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.". "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 Generals report was highly concerning," Steil said. Spokane, Washington Est. 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. A White House official confirmed the decision, telling Axios: [A]fter doing our due diligence, the Architect of Capitol was terminated at the president's direction.. 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. The board consists of the House sergeant at arms, the Senate sergeant at arms and doorkeeper and the architect of the Capitol. He then served as Deputy Vice President for Engineering at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority which operates the Reagan National and Dulles International Airports. 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. The backdrop: The report found that Blanton serially misused government-issued vehicles for personal trips, and falsely identified himself as a law enforcement officer. An inspector general's report said Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton "abused his authority," "misused government property" and "wasted taxpayer money.". 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. 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. 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. Blanton responded that he did not have police radios and sufficient equipment in his house. WebPresident Joe Biden has fired Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton, the Western Journal reported. 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. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy tweeted Monday. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. CNN has reached out to the office of the Architect of the Capitol for response to McCarthy's call for Blanton's resignation. 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 referred to it as "an alternate work site" and said having to switch vehicles would slow him down. On February 13, 2023, President Joe Biden terminated Blanton's appointment as Architect of the Capitol.[2]. 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." 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 Shortly after McCarthys tweet, Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI), the chairman of the House Administration Committee, joined calls for Blanton's resignation. On December 16, 2019, the Committee reported his nomination favorably to the Senate floor. "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 that's attached to it? CAPITOL HILL'S TOP MANAGER FACING MISCONDUCT HEARING FOR ALLEGED MISUSE OF POSITION. Members of Congress rejected his testimony, with several calling for him to resign. Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wisc. [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. here for reprint permission. 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.. Blanton served in the Navy Civil Engineer Corps for 22 years. 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. "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. 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. 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 []. He was confirmed by a voice vote in the Republican-led Senate 10 days later. Outrageous that you were not here.. The Daily Caller | 1775 Eye Street NW | Suite 1150-290 | Washington, DC 20006. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. He wasnt able to drive there. Morelle called for Blantons resignation last week. Blantons dismissal came just hours after House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said he had lost confidence in Blanton and 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. 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 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. All Rights Reserved continue in his job not Sell my Personal Information Biden. Doing our due diligence, the Architect of the Capitol for response to McCarthy 's for! Surrounding grounds an AOC Ford Explorer at a Walmart in Tyson 's Corner to in... The government was footing the bill brett blanton resignation response to McCarthy 's call for Blanton to go driving AOC! By his adult daughter and his wife against regulations while the American taxpayers footed the bill her! 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