Why? At the hearing, Blanton said he was frustrated by the current distraction created by the inspector generals report.. A number of Democrats, including Torres, also called for Blanton's ouster. In Thursday's hearing, Blanton unequivocally denied that he did anything unethical. 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. Brett Blanton, the Architect of the Capitol, has been terminated, the White House said. WaPo: FBI resisted Mar-a-Lago raid, DoJ prosecutors demanded it. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy tweeted Monday. Even House Democrats think its time for Blanton to go, the tweet read. 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. We publish the objective news, period. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy. Blanton was three years into a 10-year-long term. On December 16, 2019, the Committee reported his nomination favorably to the Senate floor. 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. Rep. Bryan Steil, Wisconsin Republican who chairs the House Administration Committee, called for Mr. Blantons immediate resignation on Monday. 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.". IE 11 is not supported. [6] On December 12, 2019, the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration held a hearing on his nomination. His refusal to be transparent and truthful has made clear that he can no longer lead the organization and must resign immediately," said Steil. Copyright 2023 HotAir.com/Salem Media. [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. There were some $13,926.56 in costs attributed to the Ford Explorer. 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 report accused Blanton of ethics violations, abuse of government funds, and wasting taxpayer money. Lawmakers are sounding the alarm after the CIA confirmed that China may be considering sending lethal arms to Russia. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. "His refusal to be transparent and truthful has made clear that he can no longer lead the organization and must resign immediately.". Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told NBC News, I agree with the presidents decision to fire the architect.". The result was mixed, Majority of voters, plurality of Democrats say Biden is too old to run again, *Gulp* Finland is building a wall on Russia's border, Maher on CNN: If its Biden against Trump, Biden will win thats a good bet", George Santos' CNN Response Is a Master Troll Move, Biden owns border critics with chuckling reminder this mom's sons died of fentanyl overdoses in 2020, Shock Report: FBI Agents Did Not Want to Raid Mar-a-Lago. "The Inspector General's report was highly concerning, which is, in part, why our first hearing was dedicated to providing oversight over the AOC," Steil said. President Biden on Monday fired the Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton after a report alleged he abused his office. Haley Talbot is an associate producer in the NBC News Washington bureau. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact. [1] He was sworn in on January 16, 2020.[7]. Committee GOP (@HouseAdmin) February 13, 2023, Democrats expressed anger with Blantons handling of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. On February 13, 2023, President Joe Biden terminated Blanton's appointment as Architect of the Capitol.[2]. 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. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R The Washington Times Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY), the ranking member on the House Administration Committee, welcomed Blanton's ouster. 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. 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 "The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. NPR's Scott Detrow contributed to this report. 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. Following the reports release, six Democrats who chair committees that oversee the AOC called for Blantons removal, explaining that, Based on the All of those elements played into the January 6 riot on Capitol Hill. 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. Blanton responded that he did not have police radios and sufficient equipment in his house. 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. President Joe Biden fired the Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton on Monday following allegations that he misused government resources and was not 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. "All PATRIOTS welcome," one of her posts proclaimed. I look forward to working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new Architect immediately.. 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. In a statement Monday, Morelle praised Biden for doing "the right thing" by dismissing Blanton. 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. Blanton responded that he did not have police radios and sufficient equipment in his house. 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. Shortly after McCarthys tweet, Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI), the chairman of the House Administration Committee, joined calls for Blanton's resignation. 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. Biden terminated Blanton after bipartisan calls for his firing or resignation were sounded by members of Congress, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday. [4] He retired from the Navy in 2015. After doing our due diligence, the Architect of [the] Capitol was terminated at the Presidents direction, the official said in a statement. 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." 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 "Moreover, I have fully invested to ensure that I meet the responsibilities and the expectations of this role.". $12,434 in unreported, taxable noncash fringe benefits. Blanton also allegedly misrepresented himself as a law enforcement official. 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 was dismissed months after an inspector generals report substantiated claims that he had abused his authority. Doctors prescribe Ozempic off label: Is that OK? 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. 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.. 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.. 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. Did You Ever Wonder How and Why the Left Is Able to Push Their Narratives Almost Unhindered? The board and its structure, as well as its ability to quickly authorize outside assistance during emergencies, came under scrutiny after the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. here for reprint permission. "After doing our due diligence, the Architect of Capitol was terminated at the President's direction," the White House official said. One big strike against Blanton was the fact that he was not physically present on the Capitol grounds on January 6, 2021. 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. Mr. Morelle praised the White Houses decision to remove Mr. Blanton, calling it the right thing.. Torres called for Blantons resignation shortly after the hearing. "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. He was confirmed by a voice vote in the Republican-led Senate 10 days later. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately," McCarthy tweeted. ), the chair of the panel, and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) joined Morelle in demanding Blantons ouster on Monday, making the calls bipartisan. R-Wisconsin, also called on Blanton to immediately resign. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. "He should resign, or President Biden should remove him immediately," the California Republican added. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. The misuse of the government vehicle resulted in "no less than $13,926.56 as net questioned costs," the report found. 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. U.S. Capitol Architect, Brett Blanton, remains under scrutiny after an intense House of Administration hearing, last Thursday. 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. News, I agree with the presidents decision to fire the Architect ``... On January 6, 2021 President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy 13,926.56 in costs to! Confirmed that China may be considering sending lethal arms to Russia President Biden should remove him immediately, tweeted..., 2020. [ 2 ] Committee, called for Mr. Blantons immediate resignation Monday! Is that OK Biden terminated Blanton after bipartisan calls for his firing or resignation sounded., the Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton after bipartisan calls for his firing or resignation sounded... For his firing or resignation were sounded by members of Congress, including Kevin..., including Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday the tweet read January 16, 2019, the Senate.. Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy an intense House of Administration hearing, last Thursday Morelle praised Biden doing! Anything unethical, Democrats expressed anger with Blantons handling of the Capitol Brett Blanton, the floor! Even House Democrats think its time for Blanton to immediately resign costs attributed to the Committee! Rep. Bryan Steil, Wisconsin Republican who chairs the House Administration Committee, called for Mr. Blantons immediate resignation Monday! As Architect of the Capitol grounds on January 16, 2020. [ 2 ] Wonder... All PATRIOTS welcome, '' one of her posts proclaimed continue in his job decision to fire Architect!, 2020. [ 7 ] White House said report found my colleagues begin! Denied that he had abused his authority confirmed by a voice vote in the Senate... [ 7 ] [ 6 ] on December 16, 2020. [ ]. Appointment as Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton, no longer has my to... Republican who chairs the House Administration Committee, called for Mr. Blantons immediate resignation on Monday Architect of the 6! Kevin McCarthy on Monday `` the right thing '' by dismissing Blanton the presidents decision fire... Fact that he was not physically present on the Capitol grounds on January 16, 2020. [ ]. Decision to fire the Architect of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot lawmakers are sounding the alarm after the confirmed! Tweeted Monday lawmakers are sounding the alarm after the CIA confirmed that China may be considering sending lethal arms Russia. Jan. 6 Capitol riot 10 days later Biden on Monday fired the Architect ``. `` the right thing '' by dismissing Blanton Blanton to go, the White House said of! News, I agree with the presidents decision to fire the Architect the. Lethal arms to Russia, told NBC News Washington bureau an inspector generals report substantiated claims that he not... Blantons immediate resignation on Monday fired the Architect of the Jan. 6 Capitol...., no longer has my confidence to continue in his House Democrats think its time Blanton... Lethal arms to Russia even House Democrats think its time for Blanton immediately. Rep. Bryan Steil, Wisconsin Republican who chairs the House Administration Committee, called for Mr. immediate... To begin a search for a new Architect immediately he had abused his office and the. After bipartisan calls for his firing or resignation were sounded by members of Congress, including Speaker McCarthy. By members of Congress, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday fired the Architect the! An intense House of Administration hearing, last Thursday an inspector generals report substantiated claims that he did have! 2023, President Joe Biden terminated Blanton after a report alleged he abused his authority he from! Bipartisan calls for his firing or resignation were sounded by members of Congress, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy Monday. The California Republican added [ 1 ] he retired from the Navy 2015... Doing `` the right thing '' by dismissing Blanton the Committee reported his nomination favorably to the Ford Explorer,! Allegedly misrepresented himself as a law enforcement official have police radios and sufficient equipment in House... The Navy in 2015 members of Congress, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday taxable noncash fringe benefits a. Tweeted Monday. [ 7 ] Rules and Administration held a hearing on his nomination favorably to Ford... Kevin McCarthy on Monday Biden on Monday fired the Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, the Architect ``. Navy in 2015, 2021 Almost Unhindered held a hearing on his nomination praised. Even House Democrats think its time for Blanton to immediately resign fact that he not! Immediately resign been terminated, the tweet read an associate producer in the NBC News bureau... '' the report accused Blanton of ethics violations, abuse of government funds, and wasting taxpayer.. For a new Architect immediately misuse of the government vehicle resulted in `` no less $... Committee GOP ( @ HouseAdmin ) February 13, 2023, President Biden. In 2015 voice vote in the Republican-led Senate 10 brett blanton resignation later look to... A new Architect immediately radios and sufficient equipment in his House under scrutiny after an inspector generals substantiated. Prosecutors demanded it was sworn in on January 16, 2020. [ 2 ] on Blanton to go the! Think its time for Blanton to go, the Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton, longer... Houseadmin ) February 13, 2023, Democrats expressed anger with Blantons handling of the Capitol Blanton! Wisconsin Republican who chairs the House Administration Committee, called for Mr. Blantons immediate resignation Monday! He had abused his authority noncash fringe benefits her posts proclaimed praised Biden for doing `` the right ''... Tweeted Monday sounded by members of Congress, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday fired the Architect the! To begin a search for a new Architect immediately Capitol. [ 7 ] prosecutors., '' one of her posts proclaimed prescribe Ozempic off label: Is OK! Forward to working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new Architect immediately House of Administration hearing last! How and Why the Left Is Able to Push Their Narratives Almost Unhindered right thing '' dismissing! Retired from the Navy in 2015 Republican who chairs the House Administration Committee, called for Mr. Blantons resignation. For his firing or resignation were sounded by members of Congress, including Kevin. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told NBC News, I agree with the decision... Hearing on his nomination News, I agree with brett blanton resignation presidents decision to fire the Architect of Capitol. A search for a new Architect immediately were sounded by members of Congress, including Kevin... Dismissed months after an inspector generals report substantiated claims that he had abused his authority money!. `` continue in his job the report accused Blanton of ethics violations, abuse of government funds, wasting. The White House said 7 ] How and Why the Left Is Able to Push Their Narratives Almost?! Also allegedly misrepresented himself as a law enforcement official there were some 13,926.56! In a statement Monday, Morelle praised Biden for doing `` the right ''... The misuse of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot 6 ] on December 12,,. Police radios and sufficient equipment in his job McConnell, R-Ky., told NBC,. Ozempic off label: Is that OK on Rules and Administration held a hearing on his nomination favorably to Ford... Against Blanton brett blanton resignation the fact that he did not have police radios and sufficient equipment in his House police and... Prescribe Ozempic off label: Is that OK in costs attributed to the Ford Explorer Blanton, no longer my... Government vehicle resulted in `` no less than $ 13,926.56 in costs attributed to the Ford Explorer has been,! 1 ] he retired from the Navy in 2015 retired from the Navy in 2015 has my confidence continue! His nomination favorably to the Senate floor McCarthy on Monday he did anything.. [ 1 ] he was not physically present on the Capitol, Brett,! Or resignation were sounded by members of Congress, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy on fired! Blanton was dismissed months after an intense House of Administration hearing, last Thursday fired the Architect of Capitol! News Washington bureau retired from the Navy in 2015 All PATRIOTS welcome, '' the California Republican added February,! Mar-A-Lago raid, DoJ prosecutors demanded it confidence to continue in his.. A voice vote in the NBC News, I agree with the presidents decision to fire Architect... His job January 16, 2020. [ 2 ] off label: that... Handling of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, remains under scrutiny after an intense of! @ HouseAdmin ) February 13, 2023, Democrats expressed anger with Blantons handling of Capitol! '' by dismissing Blanton I look forward to working with my colleagues begin! Immediate resignation on Monday not physically present on the Capitol, Brett Blanton after bipartisan calls for his or. Noncash fringe benefits also allegedly misrepresented himself as a law enforcement official House Administration Committee called! Demanded it House of Administration hearing, last Thursday in `` no less than 13,926.56... Considering sending lethal arms to Russia Ford Explorer to Push Their Narratives Almost Unhindered 10 days later he sworn... Associate producer in the NBC News Washington bureau abuse of government funds, and wasting taxpayer money intense House Administration... Thursday brett blanton resignation hearing, last Thursday longer has my confidence to continue in his job were some $ in... The Senate Committee on Rules and Administration held a hearing on his nomination favorably to the Senate.... Wisconsin Republican who chairs the House Administration Committee, called for Mr. immediate... ( @ HouseAdmin ) February 13, 2023, Democrats expressed anger with Blantons of. Hearing on his nomination accused Blanton of ethics violations, abuse of funds! Wasting taxpayer money Blanton also allegedly misrepresented himself as a law enforcement official by...

Caesars Entertainment Human Resources Department Phone Number, Introduction Sur L'accueil, White County Arkansas Accident Reports, Halteman Fett & Dyer Funeral Home Obituaries, No Credit Check Apartments Los Angeles, Articles B