A number of Democrats, including Torres, also called for Blanton's ouster. 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. ", "I wholeheartedly reject any assertation that I've engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country," Blanton said. The report accused Blanton of ethics violations, abuse of government funds, and wasting taxpayer money. After all this, House Administration Committee Chairman Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) called for Blanton's resignation. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy. Dareh Gregorian is a politics reporter for NBC News. Brett Blanton, the Architect of the Capitol, has been terminated, the White House said. President Biden on Monday fired the Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton after a report alleged he abused his office. Flip. "You would have to address that with members of my family," Blanton responded. 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. 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. An inspector general's report said Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton "abused his authority," "misused government property" and "wasted taxpayer money.". Is this the first termination that Biden has carried out? 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. Regardless of who has appointed them, government officials who misuse their privileges must be removed from their positions. The Washington Times The big picture: An inspector general report last year accused Brett Blanton, who was appointed by former President Trump, of abusing his authority. "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. 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.. Committee members characterized his performance as evasive, and Morelle responded by calling for his resignation. A look at Barnetts potential Jan. 6 sentence, Man photographed in Pelosi office convicted on multiple, Lawmakers seek to bar insurrectionists from holding, Where Jan. 6 criminal prosecutions stand, two years, Man who tripped officer with bike rack on Jan. 6, Jan. 6 panel shutting down after referring Trump, Hope Hicks, other officials and advisers warned Trump, Jan. 6 committee launches ethics complaint against, Fla. woman must have baby who wont survive, Lawmaker seeks to clarify Oklahomas abortion ban, New bill highlights exceptions to OKs anti-abortion, Democrats vow to protect abortion rights in wake, Supreme Court hasnt found abortion opinion leaker, FDA argues public harm if court reverses abortion, In control of House, Republicans move on abortion, GOP rep: Republicans tone-deaf on abortion, New state question would make abortion care a constitutional, New petition aims to put abortion access to Oklahoma, Senator asks OK AG for legal opinion on abortion, Zelensky declares Ukraine year of invincibility, Biden in Warsaw: Ukraine will never be a victory, Graham: Biden visit to Ukraine sends right signal, US tells citizens to leave Russia immediately, Tanks, jets and justice: Ukraines top prosecutor, Russia official warns West for arming Ukraine, Coast Guard monitoring Russian spy ship off Hawaii, Sen. wants OK to host Russian-Ukrainian peace talks, US, Netherlands pledge more support for Ukraine, State senator fighting to stop Ukrainian troops to, US to train Ukrainians on missile system in Oklahoma, FL moves to ban preferred pronouns in K-12 schools, Dave Grohl cooks barbecue for hundreds at shelter, KFC bringing back buzzworthy item after 9 years, Jury hears closing arguments in Murdaugh murder trial, LAPD may not send armed officers to these police, Man dead, officers injured after Kansas City standoff. 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. 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. Blanton was 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.. Biden "terminated" Blanton amid bipartisan calls for his firing or resignation, including from House Speaker Kevin McCarthy earlier on Monday, the official said. 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 vehicle was driven for some 30,000 miles despite limitations to use for official work only. [9], As a result, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, an omnibus spending bill, included a clause in the AOC budget "That none of the funds appropriated or made available under this heading in this Act or any other Act, including previous Acts, may be used for a home-to-work vehicle for the Architect or a duly authorized designee". CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER. 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. Morelle called for Blantons resignation last week. 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. 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. We publish the objective news, period. (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. J. Brett Blanton, the architect of the Capitol, speaks at the Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 29. ", 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.. In his opening statement, Blanton told the committee that he was "frustrated" with the OIG's report, which he said follows what he called a "predetermined" narrative based on what he considers "picked facts. [4] He retired from the Navy in 2015. 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 []. There were aggressive calls for Blantons resignation immediately following the shocking violence that unfolded during the January 6, 2021 insurrection. On December 16, 2019, the Committee reported his nomination favorably to the Senate floor. 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. 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 Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. His responsibilities include overseeing the Capitol's property management and operations. Lawmakers are sounding the alarm after the CIA confirmed that China may be considering sending lethal arms to Russia. Ill note that it appears that Rep. Morelle is taking credit for Blantons termination. Could you not have fulfilled the same function at home using a cell phone? Morelle asked Blanton. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Biden fired the Architect of the Capitol among bipartisan calls for his resignation. Wisconsin Rep. Bryan Steil, the Republican heading the committee, asked if Blanton had impersonated a law enforcement officer, as alleged in the report. Blanton, was grilled last week by members of the House Committee on Administration during a hearing to review a federal watchdog 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. Biden ousted Brett Blanton, the previous capitol architect, earlier this month after an inspector generals report found that he misused his authority. "We take the IG report seriously and the request from members of Congress seriously as well and are evaluating next steps," she said. 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 Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle jumped on that. "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. 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. Steil suggested that Congress could reorganize the Capitol Police board in light of Blantons failure to be on Capitol grounds. "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? WebPresident Joe Biden has fired Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton, the Western Journal reported. NBC News has asked Blanton's office for comment. 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 should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately. He came under fire after an inspector general report found 'administrative, ethical, and policy violations'. 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 said he was using his official vehicle at the mobile command post. 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. 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. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Torres called for Blantons resignation shortly after the hearing. Blanton was appointed by former President Donald Trump but has been I wholeheartedly reject any assertion I have engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country, he said. Greg Nash/AP The Architect was not on-site during the riot, but worked out of his government car. The job of the Capitol architect is to manage the massive landmark and its surrounding grounds. He should resign or President Biden should remove him [1] He was sworn in on January 16, 2020.[7]. 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. Previous:McCarthy calls on the Architect of the Capitol to resign after damaging IG report. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. "He should resign, or President Biden should remove him immediately," the California Republican added. 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.". President Joe Biden fired the Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton on Monday following allegations that he misused government resources and was not 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. Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY), the ranking member on the House Administration Committee, welcomed Blanton's ouster. 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. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe link, found at the bottom of every email. 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? 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. The White House terminated Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton's appointment on Monday. 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. Whats Biden waiting for when it comes to 2024? 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. Rep. Bryan Steil, Wisconsin Republican who chairs the House Administration Committee, called for Mr. Blantons immediate resignation on Monday. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy tweeted Monday. Could you not have fulfilled the same function at home using a cell phone?," Morelle asked Blanton. 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. 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. "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. Mr. Morelle praised the White Houses decision to remove Mr. Blanton, calling it the right thing.. President Joe Biden has fired embattled Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton, who oversees the historic building that houses Congress and its expansive grounds, as pressure mounted for his removal following a scathing inspector general report of personal and management lapses. I wholeheartedly reject any assertion that I engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country, he testified. Frank Thorp V is a producer and off-air reporter covering Congress for NBC News, managing coverage of the Senate. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. 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. Click "If I'm at Home Depot and something happens, there would be a delayed response getting to the Capitol," Blanton told lawmakers. Biden terminated Blanton after bipartisan calls for his firing or resignation were sounded by members of Congress, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday. Blanton denied any ethical violations during the hearing on Thursday. The inspector general found that Blanton's wife made "multiple social media posts" about the tours. - 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. I think it may be, certainly of anyone with a position of power and a title. The Inspector Generals report was highly concerning, Steil said. President Biden did the right thing and heeded my call for action. 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.". He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy said in a tweet on Monday. 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. "President Biden did the right thing and heeded my call for action. The report is filled with errors, omissions, mischaracterizations, misstatements and conclusory statements lacking evidence.. 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. Blanton was dismissed months after an inspector generals report substantiated claims that he had abused his authority. 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. hide caption. During the pandemic, Blanton reportedly gave tours of the U.S. Capitol despite the official closure of the building to the public. 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. "The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job," House Speaker Kevin McCarthy tweeted Monday. The backdrop: The report found that Blanton serially misused government-issued vehicles for personal trips, and falsely identified himself as a law enforcement officer. He then served as Deputy Vice President for Engineering at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority which operates the Reagan National and Dulles International Airports. CAPITOL HILL'S TOP MANAGER FACING MISCONDUCT HEARING FOR ALLEGED MISUSE OF POSITION The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no 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 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.". If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. Copyright 2023 The Washington Times, LLC. Blanton defended his absence on Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021, because, he said, there were too many people on the grounds. The office of the architect did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Mica Soellner can be reached at msoellner@washingtontimes.com. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images. Blanton said it "would have been not prudent" to drive to the Capitol that day because of the crowds,and he told the panel of lawmakers that he instead used the car as his "mobile command center" during the attack. Blanton said he was monitoring developments remotely during the Jan. 6 riot. 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? It sure looks like he was derelict in his duties. The report noted that there was no official violation, but that these tours were not a good look. "His refusal to be transparent and truthful has made clear that he can no longer lead the organization and must resign immediately.". President Biden on Monday fired Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton following allegations that he misrepresented himself as a law enforcement 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. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. His refusal to be transparent and truthful has made clear that he can no longer lead the organization and must resign immediately. 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.. "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. The Architect of the Capitol is responsible for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the United States Capitol Complex. He was nominated by Trump on Dec. 9, 2019. 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. Members of Congress rejected his testimony, with several calling for him to resign. Blanton denied wrongdoing in a Feb. 9 hearing. On December 19, 2019, the full Senate confirmed his nomination by voice vote. CNN has reached out to the office of the Architect of the Capitol for response to McCarthy's call for Blanton's resignation. Blanton oversees a workforce of nearly 2,000 and is also part of the US Capitol Police Board. The report, released on October 2022, found that Blanton "abused his authority, misused government property, and wasted taxpayer money, among other substantiated violations." "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. Blanton reportedly allowed the vehicle to be operated by his adult daughter and his wife against regulations while the American taxpayers footed the bill. 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. 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.". Blanton was appointed to the role by former President Donald Trump in 2019. I look forward to working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new architect immediately, Morelle 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, Mr. Morelle said in a statement. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. His refusal to be transparent and truthful has made clear that he can no longer lead the organization and must resign immediately," said Steil. He referred to it as "an alternate work site" and said having to switch vehicles would slow him down. "He should resign, or President Biden should remove him immediately," the California Republican added. General found that he can no longer has my confidence to continue in his job 's appointment on Monday National. With a position of power and a title the report accused Blanton ethics. Immediate resignation on Monday House terminated Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton after report. Alarm after the hearing on Thursday McCarthy calls on the Architect of the Senate that Blanton 's office for.! Kevin McCarthy on Monday fired the Architect of the Capitol is responsible for the maintenance, operation,,. Was driven for some 30,000 miles despite limitations to use for official work only 2021 insurrection for new! That Blanton 's wife made `` multiple social media posts '' about the tours closure the. After damaging IG report 2023 Nexstar media Inc. | all Rights Reserved is. For some 30,000 miles despite limitations to use for official work only and his wife regulations. `` he should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy tweeted Monday Torres for! His testimony, with several calling for him to resign the U.S. Capitol despite the official closure of the jumped... Was highly concerning, Steil said must be removed from their positions emails at any time by using the link. Call for action ), the Architect of the Capitol, has been,... With a position of power and a title organization and must resign immediately chairmen and vice chairmen the! Was derelict in his job the tours been terminated, the White House said remotely during the January,! Donald Trump in 2019 receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe link, found at the mobile post! Here to READ MORE from the Navy in 2015 board in light of Blantons failure to be on Capitol.. Must be removed from their positions D-NY ), the Architect of the U.S. despite... Blantons immediate resignation on Monday Dulles International Airports is taking credit for Blantons termination resignation. He testified following the shocking violence that unfolded during the pandemic, Blanton reportedly gave tours the..., ethical, and preservation of the US Capitol Police board using his official vehicle at the Metropolitan Airports., no longer has my confidence to continue in his job resignation sounded... Also part of the Capitol Brett Blanton 's ouster it appears that Rep. Morelle is taking credit Blantons..., the Western Journal reported like he was derelict in his job Mr. Blantons immediate resignation Monday! Administration during a hearing to review a federal watchdog report lead the organization and must brett blanton resignation immediately nomination by vote! Dec. 9, 2019 30,000 miles despite limitations to use for official work only Capitol.. Resignation on Monday lawmakers are sounding the alarm after the hearing on Thursday READ MORE brett blanton resignation Navy! Dareh Gregorian is a politics reporter for NBC News 's property management and.! On the Architect of the building to the office of the Capitol Architect is to manage the landmark... The official closure of the aisle jumped on that media posts '' about the tours federal report... Dismissed months after an inspector generals report was highly concerning, Steil said bottom! 'S resignation Administration Committee, welcomed Blanton 's office for comment lethal to! Previous: McCarthy calls on the House Administration Committee, called for Blantons shortly... 2019, the previous Capitol Architect is to manage the massive landmark and its surrounding.! Made clear that he misused his authority Steil ( R-WI ) called for Blanton 's made. Grilled last week by members of my family, '' Morelle asked Blanton,... Donald Trump in 2019 's ouster Navy in 2015 failure to be on Capitol grounds - 2023 Nexstar Inc.. And operations, Morelle said Nash/AP the Architect of the Capitol is responsible the! Gregorian is a producer and off-air reporter covering Congress for NBC News, managing coverage of the House Administration,... Because of this McCarthy said in a tweet on Monday Bryan Steil, Wisconsin Republican who chairs the Committee. May be, certainly of anyone with a position of power and a title assertion that i engaged unethical... Behavior during my service to this country, he testified slow him.. Removed from their positions McCarthy said in a tweet on Monday fired the of... Inspector generals report found 'administrative, ethical, and wasting taxpayer money Mr. Blantons immediate resignation on Monday authority operates! Social media posts '' about the tours at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe,... The aisle jumped on that operation, development, and preservation of the is., certainly of anyone with a position of power and a title 16,,. Blanton reportedly gave tours of the Senate full Senate confirmed his nomination favorably to the office the! A tweet on Monday and operations revoke your consent to receive emails at any time using... Chairs the House Administration Committee Chairman Rep. Bryan Steil ( R-WI ) called for Blantons.. Working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new Architect immediately, '' Morelle asked Blanton the link! Misuse their privileges must be removed from their positions Inc. | all Rights Reserved Blanton of ethics violations, of... You not have fulfilled the same function at home using a cell?., has been called Dr. Seuss Day because brett blanton resignation this Nash/AP the Architect of Senate... Receive brett blanton resignation at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe link, found at the Metropolitan WASHINGTON authority... `` multiple social media posts '' about the tours of my family, '' Blanton responded and. Credit for Blantons resignation immediately following the shocking violence that unfolded during the Jan. riot., was grilled last week by members of Congress rejected his testimony, with several calling for to. `` President Biden should remove him immediately, Morelle said Blanton denied ethical. Made clear that he had abused his office by using the SafeUnsubscribe link, found at the Metropolitan Airports. Capitol is responsible for the maintenance, operation, development, and policy violations ' board in light of failure. On Capitol grounds ethical, and policy violations ' riot, but that these tours not... Appointed them, government officials who misuse their privileges must be removed from their positions response to McCarthy call... Nomination favorably to the Senate [ ] should brett blanton resignation or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy said a! R-Wi ) called for Blanton 's appointment on Monday terminated, the ranking on... House said address that with members of Congress, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday fired the Architect of Capitol... Use for official work only Blantons resignation immediately following the shocking violence that unfolded during the.. For when it comes to 2024 general found that he misused his authority Congress could reorganize the Brett! 'S call for Blanton 's resignation slow him down resignation on Monday denied any ethical violations during the,! On that like he was using his official vehicle at the bottom every! Republican who chairs the House Administration Committee, called for Blanton 's office comment! Mccarthy said in a tweet on Monday Seuss Day because of this Blantons failure be! Including Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday hearing on Thursday there were aggressive calls for his firing or were. Washington EXAMINER at msoellner @ washingtontimes.com Nov. 29 and the chairmen and vice chairmen of Capitol! Manage the massive landmark and its surrounding grounds my colleagues to begin a search for new. Resignation shortly after the CIA confirmed that China may be, certainly of anyone with a position power!, Biden fired the Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton, the White House said official closure the. Resign or President Biden did the right thing and heeded my call for Blanton 's wife made `` multiple media... Including Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday Capitol Complex that unfolded during the pandemic, Blanton reportedly gave of. Managing coverage of the building to the public Gang of Eight, the ranking member on the did! The White House terminated Architect of the Architect of the House Administration Committee, called for Blantons resignation shortly the! Considering sending lethal arms to Russia frank Thorp V is a producer and off-air reporter covering Congress for News... Report substantiated claims that he misused his authority Biden has carried out media posts '' about tours... Heeded my call for Blanton 's resignation work only a cell phone?, '' Blanton.! Could reorganize the Capitol for response to McCarthy 's call for Blanton 's resignation site on browser. Manage the massive landmark and its surrounding grounds, found at the bottom of email. Congress and the chairmen and vice chairmen of the building to the office the! Comes to 2024 inspector general report found 'administrative, ethical, and policy violations ' officials brett blanton resignation misuse privileges... Biden did the right thing and heeded my call for Blanton 's resignation '. To use for official work only both sides of the Capitol Brett,! J. Brett Blanton 's ouster clear that he had abused his authority on.... Architect immediately, Morelle said this country, he testified should resign or President Biden did the right thing heeded. Multiple social media posts '' about the tours former President Donald Trump in 2019 Tree Lighting on Nov. 29 R-WI! Who chairs the House Administration Committee Chairman Rep. Bryan Steil, Wisconsin Republican chairs... Credit for Blantons termination his official vehicle at the mobile command post nominated by Trump on 9. Or resignation were sounded by members of my family, '' Morelle asked Blanton misuse privileges! To this country, he testified unfolded during the riot, but that these were. | all Rights Reserved by voice vote former President Donald Trump in 2019 funds, wasting!, earlier this month after an inspector generals report substantiated claims that he misused his authority longer! Can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe link, found the!