Following the reports release, six Democrats who chair committees that oversee the AOC called for Blantons removal, explaining that, Based on the Blanton told committee members at last Thursday's hearing that he was "directing AOC personnel" from his government vehicle, which he said served as "AOC's mobile command post," during the riot but not on the Capitol grounds. Could you not have fulfilled the same function at home using a cell phone?," Morelle asked Blanton. This was all while the government was footing the bill for her travels. The Republican chairman of the committee, Rep. Bryan Steil of Wisconsin, called for Blantons resignation after he engaged in an exchange with him. Blanton was appointed in 2019 by President Donald Trump to a ten-year term. 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. He has repeatedly abused taxpayer dollars. 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. President Biden on Monday fired the Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton after a report alleged he abused his office. 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 government-provided SUVs and deliberate misrepresentation of himself as a police officer among other accusations which include giving private tours to patriots in the weeks (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. 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.". 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. The Daily Caller | 1775 Eye Street NW | Suite 1150-290 | Washington, DC 20006. Morelle called for Blantons resignation last week. 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. 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 investigation was prompted by a tip about Blanton's daughter recklessly driving an AOC Ford Explorer at a Walmart in Tyson's Corner. Copyright 2023 The Washington Times, LLC. His explanation of being off campus during the day of Jan. 6 enraged some lawmakers. [10] Congressional representatives called for Blanton to resign. The inspector general found that Blanton's wife made "multiple social media posts" about the tours. During the pandemic, Blanton reportedly gave tours of the U.S. Capitol despite the official closure of the building to the public. Did You Ever Wonder How and Why the Left Is Able to Push Their Narratives Almost Unhindered? He said he was using his official vehicle at the mobile command post. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately," McCarthy tweeted. Steil also called for Blanton to resign Monday. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. "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. In Thursday's hearing, Blanton unequivocally denied that he did anything unethical. 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]. I look forward to working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new architect immediately, Morelle said. NPR's Scott Detrow contributed to this report. [1] He was sworn in on January 16, 2020.[7]. Committee members characterized his performance as evasive, and Morelle responded by calling for his resignation. The pandemic popped San Francisco's progressive bubble, The cost of the Federal Reserve's 'full employment': Migrant child labor, Lori Lightfoot's next dancing TikTok video should be to "Bye Bye Bye", TikTok restricts teenager screen time as it faces threat of national ban, Lightfoot is out: Chicago mayor out four years after breaking onto scene as rising star, Republicans could force Bidens first veto with fights over ESG and DC crime law, Protesters thrown out of House China committee's first prime-time hearing. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle jumped on that. 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. Committee GOP (@HouseAdmin) February 13, 2023, Democrats expressed anger with Blantons handling of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. 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. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy also called for Blanton's dismissal Monday. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER. The Washington Times No Architect has ever been removed by Congress, but the Senate is considering legislation that would clarify that the position is subject to impeachment. 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. 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. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told NBC News, I agree with the presidents decision to fire the architect.". His responsibilities include overseeing the Capitol's property management and operations. Blantons dismissal came just hours after House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said he had lost confidence in Blanton and Blanton rebutted that he had identified himself as a member of the Capitol Police Board, which he is, and not an officer. After doing our due diligence, the Architect of [the] Capitol was terminated at the Presidents direction, the official said in a statement. Blanton, was grilled last week by members of the House Committee on Administration during a hearing to review a federal watchdog report. ", "I wholeheartedly reject any assertation that I've engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country," Blanton said. The Senate Budget Committee held a hearing on the impact of climate change and sea level rise on coastal communities as lawmakers reach an impasse on addressing the problem. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe link, found at the bottom of every email. Mr. Blanton's incompetency is a danger to his office, and I join @RepJoeMorelle to call for his immediate resignation," Torres tweeted. Blanton was appointed by former President Donald Trump but has been 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 denied wrongdoing in a Feb. 9 hearing. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. 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. 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. 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. Frank Thorp V is a producer and off-air reporter covering Congress for NBC News, managing coverage of the Senate. 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 Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton was fired by President Biden Monday for a series of ethical violations, including his not being present on the grounds during the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. The 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." He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately," McCarthy wrote. 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 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 denied any ethical violations during the hearing on Thursday. U.S. Capitol Architect, Brett Blanton, remains under scrutiny after an intense House of Administration hearing, last Thursday. Blanton also stated that on January 6 he was using his official vehicle as the Architect of the Capitol's mobile command post. Based on that behavior, Blanton has also been accused of giving the impression that he was in law enforcement. Shortly after McCarthys tweet, Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI), the chairman of the House Administration Committee, joined calls for Blanton's resignation. "The Inspector Generals report was highly concerning," Steil said. 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. 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. - 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. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. 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. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) called for the Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton to step down or be removed by President Biden, adding to bipartisan outrage over an inspector general report that found he misused a government vehicle and allegedly impersonated a law enforcement officer, among other ethics issues. 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He came under fire after an inspector general report found 'administrative, ethical, and policy violations'. The big picture: An inspector general report last year accused Brett Blanton, who was appointed by former President Trump, of abusing his authority. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday called on Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton to resign after damaging inspector general report last fall. Doctors prescribe Ozempic off label: Is that OK? The Capitols architect oversees the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the U.S. Capitol complex. The committees top Democrat, Rep. Joseph D. Morelle of New York, also called for Mr. Blanton to step down. Why? 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.". It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. The Architect of the Capitol is responsible for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the United States Capitol Complex. House lawmakers grilled Blanton over the report in a House Administrationhearinglast week, where Blanton pushed back on the report. 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. "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. Biden terminated Blanton after bipartisan calls for his firing or resignation were sounded by members of Congress, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday. President Joe Biden has fired Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton, the Western Journal reported. Blanton oversees a workforce of nearly 2,000 and is also part of the US Capitol Police Board. Could you not have fulfilled the same function at home using a cell phone? Morelle asked Blanton. "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. 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. Copyright 2023 HotAir.com/Salem Media. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, Mr. McCarthy tweeted Monday. "We take the IG report seriously and the request from members of Congress seriously as well and are evaluating next steps," she said. The AOC IG report also details a minor accident involving Blanton at a Virginia brewery involving another driver who backed into the government SUV while it was improperly parked. Blanton defended his absence on Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021, because, he said, there were too many people on the grounds. 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. 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. here for reprint permission. Blanton was appointed by former President Donald Trump but has been accused of several infractions by both parties after a recent report. WebPresident Joe Biden has fired Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton, the Western Journal reported. 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. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Biden fired the Architect of the Capitol among bipartisan calls for his resignation. After all this, House Administration Committee Chairman Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) called for Blanton's resignation. Terms of Use / Privacy Policy / Manage Newsletters, - 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. 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. 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. Moreover, I have fully invested to ensure that I meet the responsibilities and the expectations of this role.. In another instance, he called himself an "agent" after he got in an accident at a brewery while using the vehicle on vacation, the report found. The vehicle was driven for some 30,000 miles despite limitations to use for official work only. Flip. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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.

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