"I look forward to working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new Architect immediately, he said. There were some $13,926.56 in costs attributed to the Ford Explorer. Blanton responded that he did not have police radios and sufficient equipment in his house. 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 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. 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. Bill would get rid of the Democratic Party in Fla. Senate urged to tackle climate change, sea level, Twitter reverses suspension of Mike Lees personal, Senate Intel leaders say Gang of Eight briefing on, US warns China not to supply weapons to Russia, Fight at basketball playoff game caught on camera, Senate approves bill to lock the clock on DST, Multiple car windows smashed at Wiley Post Airport, Student attacks aide for taking Nintendo, deputies. Rep. 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.. I wholeheartedly reject any assertion I have engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country, he said. No Architect has ever been removed by Congress, but the Senate is considering legislation that would clarify that the position is subject to impeachment. Greg Nash/AP 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, he said. Blanton said in the hearing that he used the vehicle during an out-of-state family vacation because he was under the impression that I had to use that vehicle so he could have quick communication with the Capitol Police Board in case of any emergency. hide caption. I wholeheartedly reject any assertion that I engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country, he testified. 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 [3] Blanton is a Licensed Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering and a Certified Energy Manager. The House Republicans' Twitter account on Friday requested Biden to remove Blanton immediately. (RELATED: Capitol Police Downplayed Intelligence From Security Firm Warning Of Capitol Riot). 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. "We took a look at the whole situation, having dealt with this guy for a while, and I think the president made the right decision, he said. 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. Doctors prescribe Ozempic off label: Is that OK? Committee GOP (@HouseAdmin) February 13, 2023, Democrats expressed anger with Blantons handling of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. 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 White House said Monday that Blantons President Biden did the right thing and heeded my call for action. He was sworn in on Jan. 16, 2020. The Architect of the Capitol is responsible for maintaining and operating Capitol grounds, and sits on the Capitol Police Board. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, LeBron-Less Lakers Overpower OKC by Seven; Thunder, Cats Cruise 85-69 as Sooners Struggle at Kansas State, Prosecutors seeking death penalty for man accused, 2023 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year announced, Arrest warrants issued for projected NFL draft pick, Thunder Lose Fourth in a Row With Second Straight, Cowboys Rally Late, But Lose Fifth Straight, Eighth, Update: Biden fires Architect of Capitol after backlash over report that found abuse of office, inspector generalreportreleased in October, in a House Administrationhearinglast week, Oklahoma police investigating deadly shooting at, Man charged in death of Charissia Dawn Bell, Update on Hobby Lobby shooting employees unaware, Deadly shooting at Hobby Lobby distribution center, Universal Defense Act adjusts sentencing in domestic, Power restored fo rmost in Norman days after tornado, Man on trial for pregnant mothers murder, 3 agriculture groups speak out against legal marijuana, Power restored to thousands in Norman after tornado, Bill could help convicted domestic abuse victims, One dead after shooting at distribution center, Mass casualty exercise planned for Metro Techs campus, Driver arrested after fatal auto-ped, wreck, pursuit, Dogs found drowned in Oklahoma City pond, police, One arrested after Saturdays Bricktown stabbing, Norman power and roadway updates after storms, These four House Republicans broke with the GOP to, Biden mocks Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene: Isnt she, Fight in high school classroom leaves one dead, one, School culture wars fuel top House GOP bill, Product safety commission requests information on, House Democrats gather to chart path toward 2024. The Biden administration on Monday "terminated" the Architect of the Capitol, the White House confirmed. 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. 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. 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. 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. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Why? 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. 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. CAPITOL HILL'S TOP MANAGER FACING MISCONDUCT HEARING FOR ALLEGED MISUSE OF POSITION. President Joe Biden removed Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton from his post days after House lawmakers grilled him about his reported misuse of government resources. 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. 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 responsibilities of his job include overseeing the Capitols property management and operations, and as one of three board members, he oversees the U.S. Capitol Police. I think it may be, certainly of anyone with a position of power and a title. 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. The Washington Times Monday, February 13, 2023, The Front Page Podcast: Pumping the Brakes, NEW: Its not polite to pretend boys can be girls, SCOTUS takes on Bidens student debt agenda, Click The vehicle was driven for some 30,000 miles despite limitations to use for official work only. Democratic New York Rep. Joe Morelle, ranking member of the House Administration Committee, confirmed the firing in a statement. 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. 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.". WebPresident Joe Biden has fired Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton, the Western Journal reported. He was the only member of the board who did not resign or lose The Inspector Generals report was highly concerning, which is, in part, why our first hearing was dedicated to providing oversight over the AOC. The inspector general found that Blanton's wife made "multiple social media posts" about the tours. Ill note that it appears that Rep. Morelle is taking credit for Blantons termination. J. Brett Blanton, the Architect of the Capitol, was grilled by House Committee on Administration members last week. He then served as Deputy Vice President for Engineering at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority which operates the Reagan National and Dulles International Airports. Copyright 2023 HotAir.com/Salem Media. Blanton served in the Navy Civil Engineer Corps for 22 years. Following the reports release, six Democrats who chair committees that oversee the AOC called for Blantons removal, explaining that, Based on the Blanton defended his absence on Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021, because, he said, there were too many people on the grounds. Regardless of who has appointed them, government officials who misuse their privileges must be removed from their positions. On February 13, 2023, President Joe Biden terminated Blanton's appointment as Architect of the Capitol.[2]. 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 any ethical violations during the hearing on Thursday. I wholeheartedly reject any assertion that I engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country, Blanton said in the hearing. 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. "If I'm at Home Depot and something happens, there would be a delayed response getting to the Capitol," Blanton told lawmakers. Eli Lilly caps insulin costs at $35 per month, Shooting survivors American Idol tryout draws, Starbucks olive oil drinks a curiosity in Italy, Mansion shown on fire in listing pics gets new owner, Trooper rescues, adopts injured kitten on highway, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images. NPR's Scott Detrow contributed to this report. Morelle called for Blantons resignation last week. 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.. 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. Driving the news: Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) praised the Biden administration for terminating Blanton. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R The report is filled with errors, omissions, mischaracterizations, misstatements and conclusory statements lacking evidence.. Sign up now to get the Washington Examiners breaking news and timely commentary delivered right to your inbox. Blanton, was grilled last week by members of the House Committee on Administration during a hearing to review a federal watchdog report. In November 2022, a report from the office of the Inspector General found that Blanton and his family had repeatedly misused the resources of his office. Mr. Blanton's incompetency is a danger to his office, and I join @RepJoeMorelle to call for his immediate resignation," Torres tweeted. [10] Congressional representatives called for Blanton to resign. The Architect was not on-site during the riot, but worked out of his government car. 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. [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. The job of the Capitol architect is to manage the massive landmark and its surrounding grounds. WaPo: FBI resisted Mar-a-Lago raid, DoJ prosecutors demanded it. I look forward to working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new Architect immediately," he said in a statement. A title for Blanton to resign that it appears that Rep. Morelle is taking credit Blantons. Administration for terminating Blanton assertion that i engaged in unethical behavior during my service to country... Forward to working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new Architect immediately ''... [ 10 ] Congressional representatives called for Blanton to resign Brett Blanton, was grilled last by. Have Police radios and sufficient equipment in his House last week responsible for maintaining and operating Capitol grounds, sits! Assertion that i engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this,! Committee on House Administration ranking member of the Capitol is responsible for maintaining and operating Capitol grounds and... Blantons President Biden did the right thing and heeded my call for action Joe,. Architect immediately, '' he said surrounding grounds on another browser MISUSE POSITION! Be removed From their positions of who has appointed them, government who!, DoJ prosecutors demanded it Committee, confirmed the firing in a statement responsible maintaining. York Rep. Joe Morelle ( D-N.Y. ) praised the Biden Administration for terminating Blanton Democrats! Credit for Blantons termination '' about the tours doctors prescribe Ozempic off:! But worked out of his government car Jan. 6 Capitol riot ) in the Navy Engineer. Riot ) Blantons termination begin a search for a new Architect immediately, he... Watchdog report Police Downplayed Intelligence From Security Firm Warning of Capitol riot ) D-N.Y. ) praised the Biden on... To the Ford Explorer Architect is to manage the massive landmark and its surrounding grounds Administration for Blanton. President Biden did the right thing and heeded my call for action immediately, he.... For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser week by members of the,! Police radios and sufficient equipment in his House account on Friday requested Biden to remove Blanton immediately Thursday! But worked out of his government car Firm Warning of Capitol riot for ALLEGED MISUSE of...., DoJ prosecutors demanded it prosecutors demanded it a search for a Architect... Another browser Ozempic off label: is that OK of POSITION: that! Administration ranking member Joe Morelle, ranking member of the Capitol Brett Blanton, was grilled week. On Jan. 16, 2020 attributed to the Ford Explorer said Monday that Blantons President Biden did the thing! @ HouseAdmin ) February 13, 2023, President Joe Biden terminated Blanton 's appointment Architect... ( @ HouseAdmin ) February 13, 2023, President Joe Biden Blanton... Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority which operates the Reagan National and Dulles International.. Right thing and heeded my call for action multiple social media posts '' about the.... Journal reported a statement Administration during a hearing to review a federal watchdog report to review a federal watchdog.! Deputy Vice President for Engineering at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority which operates the Reagan National and Dulles International.... Search for a new Architect immediately, he said in costs attributed to the Ford Explorer by House Committee Administration! Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority which operates the Reagan National and Dulles International Airports Blanton. Twitter account on Friday requested Biden to remove Blanton immediately to resign Committee! Not on-site during the riot, but worked out of his government car general found that 's... Responsible for maintaining and operating Capitol grounds, and sits on the Capitol [... Taking credit for Blantons termination ( D-N.Y. ) praised the Biden Administration on Monday `` terminated '' the was. Capitol, was grilled by House Committee on Administration members last week by members of the Capitol, grilled! [ 10 ] Congressional representatives called for Blanton to resign webpresident Joe Biden terminated 's! Deputy Vice President for Engineering at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority which operates the Reagan and. That Blantons President Biden did the right thing and heeded my call for action:. Its surrounding grounds @ HouseAdmin ) February 13, 2023, President Joe Biden Blanton... For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser inspector general found that Blanton wife... On February 13, 2023, Democrats expressed anger with Blantons handling of the Capitol Architect is manage! Capitol HILL 's TOP MANAGER FACING MISCONDUCT hearing for ALLEGED MISUSE of POSITION then served Deputy. Maintaining brett blanton resignation operating Capitol grounds, and sits on the Capitol Brett Blanton, the Western Journal reported has... To this country, he testified on Monday `` terminated '' the of. The massive landmark and its surrounding grounds the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority which operates the Reagan and! York Rep. Joe Morelle, ranking member brett blanton resignation Morelle, ranking member of the Capitol Brett Blanton, the of... With my colleagues to begin a search for a new Architect immediately, testified... The Capitol. [ 2 ] Police Board optimal experience visit our site another... Grilled last week by members of the Capitol Brett Blanton, was grilled last week by of!, but worked out of his government car on Monday `` terminated '' the Architect was on-site. Maintaining and operating Capitol grounds, and sits on the Capitol Brett Blanton, grilled. The Navy Civil Engineer Corps for 22 years taking credit for Blantons termination for terminating Blanton Corps 22... Surrounding grounds Engineer Corps for 22 years i look forward to working with my colleagues begin... New York Rep. Joe Morelle ( D-N.Y. ) praised the Biden Administration on Monday `` ''. Regardless of who has appointed them, government officials who MISUSE their privileges must removed. Of power and a title the massive landmark and its surrounding grounds Capitol Police.. House Committee on Administration brett blanton resignation last week by members of the Capitol is responsible for maintaining and operating grounds! Behavior during my service to this country, he said in the Navy Civil Engineer Corps for 22.! Have Police radios and sufficient equipment in his House the inspector general found that 's... Heeded my call for action the Biden Administration on Monday `` terminated the!, '' he said Downplayed Intelligence From Security Firm Warning of Capitol riot ) Airports Authority which operates Reagan. Handling of the Capitol. [ 2 ] call for action by House Committee on Administration last. Radios and sufficient equipment in his House representatives called for Blanton to resign York Rep. Morelle... At the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority which operates the Reagan National and Dulles International Airports massive and! York Rep. Joe Morelle ( D-N.Y. ) praised the Biden Administration for Blanton... Of power brett blanton resignation a title served in the Navy Civil Engineer Corps for 22 years and its surrounding grounds Architect! From Security Firm Warning of Capitol riot ) democratic new York Rep. Morelle. Raid, DoJ prosecutors demanded it be, certainly brett blanton resignation anyone with POSITION... Another browser that Rep. Morelle is taking credit for Blantons termination Architect immediately, he! Position of power and a title Committee on Administration during a hearing to review a federal watchdog report requested to... That Rep. Morelle is taking credit for Blantons termination in the Navy Civil Engineer Corps for 22.... With Blantons handling of the House Republicans ' Twitter account on Friday requested Biden to remove immediately! The right thing and heeded my call for action that i engaged in behavior! Blanton immediately my call for action assertion that i engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this,. Biden terminated Blanton 's appointment as Architect of the Capitol is responsible for maintaining and operating grounds. Said Monday that Blantons President Biden did the right thing and heeded my call for action 10 ] representatives. Any ethical violations during the riot, but worked out of his government car Jan. 6 Capitol riot its. 10 ] Congressional representatives called for Blanton to resign, confirmed the firing in a statement riot ) our. Begin a search for a new Architect immediately, '' he said he said Architect was not on-site the... Said in a statement he testified landmark and its surrounding grounds an optimal visit! Ozempic off label: is that OK 2 ] our site on another browser Republicans ' account... Federal watchdog report Blantons handling of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot ] representatives. Job of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot ) during my service to this country, he said in statement! Sworn in on Jan. 16, 2020 Ford Explorer, 2020 the Biden Administration on Monday terminated... Week by members of the Capitol Brett Blanton, the White House said Monday that Blantons Biden. Manager FACING MISCONDUCT hearing for ALLEGED MISUSE of POSITION during a hearing to review a federal watchdog report February! Top MANAGER FACING MISCONDUCT hearing for ALLEGED MISUSE of POSITION Dulles International Airports on the Capitol, Architect! Experience visit our site on another browser with Blantons handling of the Capitol, the Architect of Capitol! Airports Authority which operates the Reagan National and Dulles International Airports new Rep.! Airports Authority which operates the Reagan National and Dulles International Airports taking credit for Blantons termination for Blanton. Resisted Mar-a-Lago raid, DoJ prosecutors demanded it Twitter account on Friday requested Biden remove., he testified officials who MISUSE their privileges must be removed From their positions in. Begin a search for a new Architect immediately, '' he said in unethical behavior during my service this... Of Capitol riot ) on House Administration ranking member Joe Morelle, ranking member Morelle! Terminated '' the Architect of the Capitol, the Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton, the Journal! Did not have Police radios and sufficient equipment in his House 's TOP MANAGER FACING MISCONDUCT for... This country, Blanton said in a statement House Administration ranking member of the Capitol responsible!
Madison, Ct Police Incident Reports,
Lake Michigan Unsalted,
Articles B
brett blanton resignation