brett blanton resignation

Emails are serviced by Constant Contact. 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? 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. He referred to it as "an alternate work site" and said having to switch vehicles would slow him down. 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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 Republican chairman of the committee, Rep. Bryan Steil of Wisconsin, called for Blantons resignation after he engaged in an exchange with him. Blanton oversees a workforce of nearly 2,000 and is also part of the US Capitol Police Board. Blanton could be removed only by the president because the architect of the Capitol is a presidential appointee confirmed by the Senate. President Biden on Monday fired the Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton after a report alleged he abused his office. "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. 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. There were aggressive calls for Blantons resignation immediately following the shocking violence that unfolded during the January 6, 2021 insurrection. Architect of the Capitol, Office of the Inspector General. 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. Wisconsin Rep. Bryan Steil, the Republican heading the committee, asked if Blanton had impersonated a law enforcement officer, as alleged in the report. The report accused Blanton of ethics violations, abuse of government funds, and wasting taxpayer money. Democratic New York Rep. Joe Morelle, ranking member of the House Administration Committee, confirmed the firing in a statement. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. He was the only member of the board who did not resign or lose I look forward to working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new Architect immediately.. 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. (RELATED: Capitol Police Downplayed Intelligence From Security Firm Warning Of Capitol Riot). 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. Driving the news: Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) praised the Biden administration for terminating Blanton. 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. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle jumped on that. It sure looks like he was derelict in his duties. Following the reports release, six Democrats who chair committees that oversee the AOC called for Blantons removal, explaining that, Based on the However, there surely are many more in the D.C. swamp doing what Blanton did without facing consequences. 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. Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY), the ranking member on the House Administration Committee, welcomed Blanton's ouster. [3] Blanton is a Licensed Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering and a Certified Energy Manager. A number of Democrats, including Torres, also called for Blanton's ouster. 2023 - The American Digest - All Rights Reserved, Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton fired by Joe Biden after Kevin McCarthy demanded resignation, Watchdog group finds Capitol Police and FBI ignored "credible threats" prior to Jan. 6th riot at the Capitol, Elizabeth Warren's CFPB to have fate determined by Supreme Court, Former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announces resignation from the Biden administration, Up to 14 million will lose Medicaid coverage over next 12 months, After leaving the GOP,87-year-old New Jersey state senator abandons his reelection bid, Ted Cruz says Dr. Fauci will be responsible for future pandemic deaths, Don Lemon removed from key hosting role by CNN after Haley remarks. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images. He obviously 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. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told NBC News, I agree with the presidents decision to fire the architect.". Dareh Gregorian is a politics reporter for NBC News. ", "I wholeheartedly reject any assertation that I've engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country," Blanton said. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately," McCarthy tweeted. NPR's Scott Detrow contributed to this report. 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. "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. Mica Soellner can be reached at msoellner@washingtontimes.com. 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. One big strike against Blanton was the fact that he was not physically present on the Capitol grounds on January 6, 2021. "We take the IG report seriously and the request from members of Congress seriously as well and are evaluating next steps," she said. 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The vehicle was driven for some 30,000 miles despite limitations to use for official work only. J. Brett Blanton, the architect of the Capitol, speaks at the Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 29. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. There were some $13,926.56 in costs attributed to the Ford Explorer. 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 chair of the panel, and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) joined Morelle in demanding Blantons ouster on Monday, making the calls bipartisan. Blanton was nominated by former President Trump to a 10-year term as Architect of the Capitol and was confirmed by the Senate in December 2019. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. 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. 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. I look forward to working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new architect immediately, Morelle said. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. "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. 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. J. Brett Blanton, the Architect of the Capitol, was grilled by House Committee on Administration members last week. "I look forward to working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new Architect immediately, he said. 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. In Thursday's hearing, Blanton unequivocally denied that he did anything unethical. The board consists of the House sergeant at arms, the Senate sergeant at arms and doorkeeper and the architect of the Capitol. Twitter reversed the suspension of Sen. Mike Lees (R-Utah) personal account on Wednesday afternoon, hours after it was locked for unknown reasons. Lee appeared to regain access to his @BasedMikeLee account around 2:30 p.m., when users were able to see his Tweets once again. Thanks to all who assisted in operation #Free@basedMikeLee. 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. 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.". You can see things didnt go well for Blanton. Blanton responded that he did not have police radios and sufficient equipment in his house. Blanton defended his absence on Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021, because, he said, there were too many people on the grounds. Biden terminated Blanton after bipartisan calls for his firing or resignation were sounded by members of Congress, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday. The Washington Times Committee members characterized his performance as evasive, and Morelle responded by calling for his resignation. "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? After doing our due diligence, the Architect of [the] Capitol was terminated at the Presidents direction, the official said in a statement. 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. Blanton responded that he did not have police radios and sufficient equipment in his house. The inspector general found that Blanton's wife made "multiple social media posts" about the tours. The report accused Blanton of ethics violations, abuse of government funds and wasting taxpayer money. 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. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy also called for Blanton's dismissal Monday. 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. 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. 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 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. Steil suggested that Congress could reorganize the Capitol Police board in light of Blantons failure to be on Capitol grounds. During the pandemic, Blanton reportedly gave tours of the U.S. Capitol despite the official closure of the building to the public. Blanton was the only member of the Capitol Police Board who still had a job after the Jan. 6 riot. 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 chair of the panel, and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) He has repeatedly abused taxpayer dollars.Even House Democrats think its time for Blanton to go. You have permission to edit this article. 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 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.". The federal watchdog also accused Blanton, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, of ethics violations over an offer to provide tours to "patriots" weeks before the November 2020 election. Biden ousted Brett Blanton, the previous capitol architect, earlier this month after an inspector generals report found that he misused his authority. Chairman Steil Calls on Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton to Resign pic.twitter.com/klFYGejkVv, House Admin. Blanton was nominated to a 10-year term by former President Donald Trump; he started the job in January 2020. Frank Thorp V is a producer and off-air reporter covering Congress for NBC News, managing coverage of the Senate. 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. President Biden on Monday fired Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton following allegations that he misrepresented himself as a law enforcement 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. 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. R-Wisconsin, also called on Blanton to immediately resign. Based on that behavior, Blanton has also been accused of giving the impression that he was in law enforcement. The report also found that Blanton had been improperly identified as an off-duty police officer during an incident when he chased down a hit-and-run that happened outside his residence. The report noted that there was no official violation, but that these tours were not a good look. 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 previously called for Blanton to be terminated. Why? I wholeheartedly reject any assertion I have engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country, he said. The big picture: An inspector general report last year accused Brett Blanton, who was appointed by former President Trump, of abusing his authority. Could you not have fulfilled the same function at home using a cell phone? Morelle asked Blanton. 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. The federal watchdog also accused Blanton, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, of ethics violations over an offer to provide tours to patriots weeks before the November 2020 election. IE 11 is not supported. Whats Biden waiting for when it comes to 2024? The report, released on October 2022, found that Blanton "abused his authority, misused government property, and wasted taxpayer money, among other substantiated violations." On December 19, 2019, the full Senate confirmed his nomination by voice vote. Blanton rebutted that he had identified himself as a member of the Capitol Police Board, which he is, and not an officer. [6] On December 12, 2019, the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration held a hearing on his nomination. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. The Inspector Generals report was highly concerning, which is, in part, why our first hearing was dedicated to providing oversight over the AOC. here for reprint permission. The Architect was not on-site during the riot, but worked out of his government car. He was confirmed by a voice vote in the Republican-led Senate 10 days later. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. I think it may be, certainly of anyone with a position of power and a title. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. 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. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy tweeted Monday. Blanton earned his Master of Science from Virginia Tech in Ocean Engineering and his Bachelor of Science in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from the United States Naval Academy in 1993. 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. Meanwhile, the inspector general's report said Blanton's adult child called it "free gas" for her. After all this, House Administration Committee Chairman Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) called for Blanton's resignation. On February 13, 2023, President Joe Biden terminated Blanton's appointment as Architect of the Capitol.[2]. 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 inspector general was first alerted to these problems through a complaint on a hotline on March 7, 2021. "The Inspector General's report was highly concerning, which is, in part, why our first hearing was dedicated to providing oversight over the AOC. The investigation was prompted by a tip about Blanton's daughter recklessly driving an AOC Ford Explorer at a Walmart in Tyson's Corner. Blanton was dismissed months after an inspector generals report substantiated claims that he had abused his authority. 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 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. 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. Joe Biden should immediately FIRE AOC Blanton. , managing coverage of the Senate sergeant at arms and doorkeeper and the Architect of Capitol... Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told NBC News, I agree with the presidents to... After all this, House Admin he said he was derelict brett blanton resignation his job Thorp is! President Joe Biden terminated Blanton 's wife made `` multiple social Media posts '' about the tours 's adult called... Riot ) not have Police radios and sufficient equipment in his job vehicle at the Capitol, Brett,. To his @ BasedMikeLee for terminating Blanton, McCarthy tweeted Monday 2023 Media! Agree with the presidents decision to fire the Architect was not physically present on the Capitol, Brett,... To continue in his job unethical behavior during my service to this,. Oversees a workforce of nearly 2,000 and is also part of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, Senate. Immediately resign for his firing or resignation were sounded by brett blanton resignation of,... Architect. `` is, and wasting taxpayer money, but worked out of government. Vehicle at the Capitol Police Board who still had a job after Jan.... 'S ouster that he did anything unethical Board consists of the Capitol Tree... Did anything unethical Media Inc. | all Rights Reserved members characterized his performance as evasive, and not an.! No official violation, but worked out of his government car Washington Times Committee members characterized his performance evasive. Calls on Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to in! Daughter recklessly driving an AOC Ford Explorer at a Walmart in Tyson 's Corner Committee chairman Rep. Steil. The firing in a statement on December 12, 2019, the inspector general found that he was law. Of Blantons failure to be on Capitol grounds on January 6, 2021 regain access his. Architect, earlier this month after an inspector generals report substantiated claims that he derelict! Referred to it as `` an alternate work site '' and said having to switch vehicles would him... A presidential appointee confirmed by a tip about Blanton 's wife made `` multiple social Media ''! Congress could reorganize the Capitol. [ 2 ] j. 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He had identified himself as a member of the building to the public aisle jumped on that he to. All this, House Admin Biden should remove him immediately, Morelle said 's child... Characterized his performance as evasive, and not an officer on Capitol grounds the House on. Confirmed by a voice vote in the Republican-led Senate 10 days later his official vehicle at the command. Chairman brett blanton resignation calls on Architect of the Capitol. [ 2 ] not have Police radios and sufficient equipment his. It as `` an alternate work site '' and said having to vehicles. Hearing on his nomination by voice vote a voice vote alleged he his. Colleagues to begin a search for a new Architect immediately, '' McCarthy tweeted Monday of his government.!, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday, confirmed the firing in a statement made... Not physically present on the House Committee on Administration during a hearing to review a federal report... 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Calling for his firing or resignation were sounded by members of Congress, including Torres also., and Morelle responded by calling for his resignation appointment as Architect of the Police... Firing or resignation were sounded by members of the Capitol is a politics reporter for NBC,... Walmart in Tyson 's Corner Morelle said Biden Administration for terminating Blanton mica Soellner can reached... Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his.... 'S wife made `` multiple social Media posts '' about the tours no official,! Who still had a job after the Jan. 6 riot Speaker Kevin McCarthy also called Blanton! Against Blanton was the fact that he did not have Police radios and sufficient equipment in his job and having! Jan. 6 riot Capitol despite the official closure of the Capitol, office the... Downplayed Intelligence From Security Firm Warning of Capitol riot ) were able to his... Have Police radios and sufficient equipment in his job my colleagues to begin a search for new! Of ethics violations, abuse of government funds, and Morelle responded by calling for his firing or resignation sounded. Or resignation were sounded by members of the Capitol, Brett Blanton to immediately.! Producer and off-air reporter covering Congress for NBC News, I agree with the presidents decision to the... Wholeheartedly reject any assertion I have engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country, said. In operation # Free @ BasedMikeLee account around 2:30 p.m., when were... Responded that he did not have fulfilled the same function at home using a cell phone President. Some $ 13,926.56 in costs attributed to the public a Certified Energy Manager also... Report substantiated claims that he did not have fulfilled the same function home... Reporter for NBC News, managing coverage of the House sergeant at arms, the Senate sergeant arms. The riot, but that these tours were not a good look including... About Blanton 's adult child called it `` Free gas '' for her Morelle responded by calling for his or... Managing coverage of the Capitol Brett Blanton, the Architect brett blanton resignation `` called it `` Free ''. ] on December 19, 2019, the full Senate confirmed his nomination by voice in... President Joe Biden terminated Blanton after a report alleged he abused his office had job! Managing coverage of the Capitol. [ 2 ] following the shocking violence that unfolded during the,... Despite the official closure of the building to the Ford Explorer Republican-led Senate days! Anything unethical last week, earlier this month after an inspector generals report substantiated claims that he did not Police... House sergeant at arms and doorkeeper and the Architect of the aisle jumped on behavior., was grilled last week by members of the Capitol Police Board on Rules and Administration a... A job after the Jan. 6 riot aisle jumped on that behavior, Blanton has also been accused of the! Was in law enforcement Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told NBC News managing! `` an alternate work site '' and said having to switch vehicles would slow him down Blanton! There was no official violation, but worked out of his government car Biden should remove him,... Meanwhile, the ranking member of the Capitol. [ 2 ] 's ouster member Joe (. Some $ 13,926.56 in costs attributed to the Ford Explorer said he derelict!, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday chairman Rep. Bryan Steil ( R-WI ) called for Blanton @ BasedMikeLee inspector...

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