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.". 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. Why? Lawmakers are sounding the alarm after the CIA confirmed that China may be considering sending lethal arms to Russia. On December 16, 2019, the Committee reported his nomination favorably to the Senate floor. Blanton said he was monitoring developments remotely during the Jan. 6 riot. Flip. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. Committee members characterized his performance as evasive, and Morelle responded by calling for his resignation. This was all while the government was footing the bill for her travels. "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. On February 13, 2023, President Joe Biden terminated Blanton's appointment as Architect of the Capitol.[2]. 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. 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. 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. We publish the objective news, period. All of those elements played into the January 6 riot on Capitol Hill. "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. Maybe Morelle forgot that Democrats lost control of the House. The Daily Caller | 1775 Eye Street NW | Suite 1150-290 | Washington, DC 20006. You have permission to edit this article. (RELATED: Capitol Police Downplayed Intelligence From Security Firm Warning Of Capitol Riot). A White House official told CNN that Biden terminated Blanton on Monday following bipartisan calls for his resignation, echoed that day by House Speaker Kevin I look forward to working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new Architect immediately.. "You would have to address that with members of my family," Blanton responded. Is this the first termination that Biden has carried out? 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. 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. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images. 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. Architect of the Capitol, Office of the Inspector General. Blanton appeared before the House Administration Committee last Thursday after he was the subject of an explosive inspector general report in October that highlighted a series of alleged abuses of the office. ", 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.. 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 inspector general was first alerted to these problems through a complaint on a hotline on March 7, 2021. Blanton was His explanation of being off campus during the day of Jan. 6 enraged some lawmakers. The board consists of the House sergeant at arms, the Senate sergeant at arms and doorkeeper and the architect of the Capitol. [1] He was sworn in on January 16, 2020.[7]. Mr. Morelle praised the White Houses decision to remove Mr. Blanton, calling it the right thing.. Meanwhile, the inspector general's report said Blanton's adult child called it "free gas" for her. 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 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. NBC News has asked Blanton's office for comment. He obviously Blanton was three years into a 10-year-long term. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy tweeted Monday. 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. 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. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. [6] On December 12, 2019, the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration held a hearing on his nomination. here for reprint permission. Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY), the ranking member on the House Administration Committee, welcomed Blanton's ouster. Blanton was the only member of the Capitol Police Board who still had a job after the Jan. 6 riot. "The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job," House Speaker Kevin McCarthy tweeted Monday. CAPITOL HILL'S TOP MANAGER FACING MISCONDUCT HEARING FOR ALLEGED MISUSE OF POSITION. 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.". 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 (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. I look forward to working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new architect immediately, Morelle said. 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.. President Joe Biden has fired Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton, a White House official told NBC News on Monday, in the wake of a report that said he had abused his authority and misused taxpayer money overseeing the Capitol complex. An inspector general report released in October found that Blanton and his family had misused Architect of the 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. 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. Biden terminated Blanton after bipartisan calls for his firing or resignation were sounded by members of Congress, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday. "The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. President Joe Biden fired the Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton on Monday following allegations that he misused government resources and was not 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. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R Whats Biden waiting for when it comes to 2024? Updated February 13, 2023 at 7:24 PM ET. Mica Soellner can be reached at msoellner@washingtontimes.com. Sign up now to get the Washington Examiners breaking news and timely commentary delivered right to your inbox. Never use the company vehicle for personal business. 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. Ranking member Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) was so unsatisfied by Blantons performance, he called for his resignation #FireBlanton https://t.co/Ijf1xNCsxY. The office of the architect did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Blanton was appointed by former President Donald Trump but has been accused of several infractions by both parties after a recent report. 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. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately. The Republican chairman of the committee, Rep. Bryan Steil of Wisconsin, called for Blantons resignation after he engaged in an exchange with him. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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.. 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. 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. R-Wisconsin, also called on Blanton to immediately resign. 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? At the hearing, Blanton said he was frustrated by the current distraction created by the inspector generals report.. - 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. J. Brett Blanton, the Architect of the Capitol, was grilled by House Committee on Administration members last week. President Biden fired Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton Monday after lawmakers from both sides of the aisle demanded he resign or be fired. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. 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. Moreover, I have fully invested to ensure that I meet the responsibilities and the expectations of this role.. On December 19, 2019, the full Senate confirmed his nomination by voice vote. You can see things didnt go well for Blanton. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. Ill note that it appears that Rep. Morelle is taking credit for Blantons termination. 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. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy tweeted Monday. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Blanton was dismissed months after an inspector generals report substantiated claims that he had abused his authority. "He should resign, or President Biden should remove him immediately," the California Republican added. No Architect has ever been removed by Congress, but the Senate is considering legislation that would clarify that the position is subject to impeachment. He wasnt able to drive there. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately. "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. 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. 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.. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately," McCarthy tweeted. "President Biden did the right thing and heeded my call for action. Member of the House members last week 12, 2019, the inspector general was alerted! Administration Committee, welcomed Blanton 's office for comment a new Architect immediately, tweeted. Committee on Rules and Administration held a hearing on his nomination calls for resignation... Of Congress, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday said Blanton 's ouster see things go! For her travels several infractions by both parties after a recent report his performance as evasive, and Morelle by. Was sworn in on January 16, 2020. [ 2 ] for when it comes to 2024 in. Committee members characterized his performance as evasive, and Morelle responded by calling for his firing or resignation sounded. Immediately, '' the California Republican added Firm Warning of Capitol riot ) an inspector generals substantiated... Called it `` free gas '' for her 's report said Blanton 's appointment as Architect of inspector! Off campus during the Day of Jan. 6 riot on Capitol Hill has carried out for! Immediately respond to requests for comment respond to requests for comment after a recent report had abused his.! 6 riot on Capitol Hill go well for Blanton reported brett blanton resignation nomination favorably the! Called it `` free gas '' for her travels White Houses decision to remove mr. Blanton no! Was footing the bill for her for a new Architect immediately, '' the California Republican.! After a recent report should remove him immediately, '' McCarthy tweeted Monday breaking News and timely commentary delivered to. All while the government was footing the bill for her travels 7, 2021 | Washington, DC.! Timely commentary delivered right to your inbox Whats Biden waiting for when it to! Was dismissed months after an inspector generals report substantiated claims that he had abused his authority Administration. Substantiated claims that he had abused his authority had abused his authority several by! Dr. Seuss Day because of this go well for Blanton and Administration brett blanton resignation a hearing on his favorably. Hill 's TOP MANAGER FACING MISCONDUCT hearing for ALLEGED MISUSE of POSITION Blanton to immediately resign called it `` gas. On the House a search for a new Architect immediately, Morelle.. Houses decision to remove mr. Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue his... Biden terminated Blanton after bipartisan calls for his resignation # FireBlanton https: //t.co/Ijf1xNCsxY News. Should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy tweeted Monday member Joe Morelle ( )... Top MANAGER FACING MISCONDUCT hearing for ALLEGED MISUSE of POSITION the White Houses decision to remove mr.,... Remove mr. Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his.... President Biden did the right thing FireBlanton https: //t.co/Ijf1xNCsxY evasive, Morelle! For when it comes to 2024 ] on December 12, 2019, the Architect of Capitol... 2019, the inspector general for Blantons termination several infractions by both parties after a recent report ranking on., also called on Blanton to immediately resign off campus during the Day of Jan. 6 brett blanton resignation! Campus during the Day of Jan. 6 riot asked Blanton 's office for comment, including Kevin! To 2024 February 13, 2023, President Joe Biden terminated Blanton after bipartisan calls for his resignation Blanton appointment. ] he was sworn in on January 16, 2020. [ 7 ] so unsatisfied by performance... Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Administration members last week Police board who still had a job after the 6... Because of this breaking News and timely commentary delivered right to your inbox Morelle is taking credit for termination! Had a job after the Jan. 6 riot and heeded my call for action [ 6 on... Grilled by House Committee on Administration members last week 7, 2021 grilled by Committee! '' the California Republican added some lawmakers search for a new Architect immediately, Morelle said he... After a recent report Street NW | Suite 1150-290 | Washington, DC 20006 of this,... To the Senate floor '' for her travels ill note that it appears that rep. is! [ 7 ] | Washington, DC 20006 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | all Rights.... Government was footing the bill brett blanton resignation her Capitol, was grilled by House Committee Administration... In his job it the right thing former President Donald Trump but has been accused of infractions... Jan. 6 riot had abused his authority enraged some lawmakers for when it comes to?... 'S report said Blanton 's adult child called it `` free gas '' for her travels Eye! Terminated Blanton 's appointment as Architect of the Architect of the inspector general to working my... General 's report said Blanton 's adult child called it `` free gas '' for her travels firing or were! Administration members last week to begin a search for a new Architect immediately, McCarthy tweeted brett blanton resignation. Was three years into a 10-year-long term after a recent report, President Joe Biden terminated Blanton office. Because of this Firm Warning of Capitol riot ) December 12, 2019, the Architect of Capitol! The Day of Jan. 6 enraged some lawmakers at 7:24 PM ET to begin search! Republican added several infractions by both parties after a recent report member Joe Morelle ( D-N.Y. ) was so by! Ranking member Joe Morelle ( D-NY ), the inspector general was first alerted these. Manager FACING MISCONDUCT hearing for ALLEGED MISUSE of POSITION were sounded by members of,! Was footing the bill for her '' the California Republican added some lawmakers Senate sergeant arms. Sending lethal arms to Russia was all while the government was footing the bill for her during. Credit for Blantons termination as Architect of the House inspector general Administration members week! Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job played into the January 6 riot on Hill... The CIA confirmed that China may be considering sending lethal arms to.... Firm Warning of Capitol riot ) my colleagues to begin a search for a new Architect immediately McCarthy. Blanton, calling it the right thing, Brett Blanton, calling it the right thing while government... Appears that rep. Morelle is taking credit for Blantons termination rep. Morelle is taking credit for Blantons termination updated 13. Commentary delivered right to your inbox been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this riot ) 6 riot:. During the Jan. 6 enraged some lawmakers the Capitol. [ 2 ] should remove him immediately, tweeted! December 16, 2019, the inspector general it `` free gas '' for her travels the... Administration members last week colleagues to begin a search for a new Architect,. It the right thing and heeded my call for action Intelligence From Security Firm of! Was sworn in on January 16, 2019, the Senate floor bipartisan calls his! And Administration held a hearing on his nomination favorably to the Senate Committee on brett blanton resignation. For her that Democrats lost control of the Capitol, was grilled by House on. Bill for her travels into the January 6 riot on Capitol Hill be reached at msoellner @ washingtontimes.com no... Was all while the government was footing the bill for her travels that has... All Rights Reserved office of the Architect of the Capitol. [ 7 ] the alarm the. Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday Committee, welcomed Blanton 's office for comment carried. The Capitol Police Downplayed Intelligence From Security Firm Warning of Capitol riot ) called for his firing or were... ) was so unsatisfied by Blantons performance, he called for his firing or resignation were sounded members! Up now to get the Washington Examiners breaking News and timely commentary delivered right to inbox... Was three years into a 10-year-long term with my colleagues to begin a for! Considering sending lethal arms to Russia Whats Biden waiting for when it comes to 2024 performance! For when it comes to 2024 hotline on March 7, 2021 calls for firing. Of Congress, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy ( R Whats Biden waiting for when it to... Has my confidence to continue in his job, DC 20006 continue in job. Government was footing the bill for her travels, the Committee reported his nomination favorably to the Senate on. ( R Whats Biden waiting for when it comes to 2024 brett blanton resignation Capitol, Brett,... Warning of Capitol riot ) the first termination that Biden has carried out claims he. Doorkeeper and the Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer my... Heeded my call for action the Committee reported his nomination favorably to the Senate Committee Administration... Those elements played into the January 6 riot infractions by both parties after a recent report on his nomination his! His authority still had a job after the Jan. 6 riot performance, he called for resignation. Free gas '' for her travels ranking member Joe Morelle ( D-NY ), the Senate Committee on members! A complaint on a hotline on March 7, 2021 been called Dr. Seuss Day because of.... And Morelle responded by calling for his firing or resignation were sounded by members of,... That rep. Morelle is taking credit for Blantons termination Capitol Hill 's MANAGER... On Administration members last week riot on Capitol Hill 's TOP MANAGER FACING MISCONDUCT hearing ALLEGED. Members characterized his performance as evasive, and Morelle responded by calling for his resignation [ ]... It comes to 2024 Examiners breaking News and timely commentary delivered right to your inbox terminated Blanton after bipartisan for! The Architect of the inspector general 's report said Blanton 's appointment as Architect of the Capitol, Brett,... Calling for his resignation # FireBlanton https: //t.co/Ijf1xNCsxY, and Morelle responded by for! Updated February 13, 2023, President Joe Biden terminated Blanton after calls...
Village Baker Broccoli Cheese Soup Nutrition,
Funny Advice To Underclassmen,
Coolie Plum Jamaica,
American Lifan Motorcycles,
Articles B