‘Highly Concerning’: Capitol Hill Architect To Face Congress After Misconduct Allegations

Architect of the Capitol (AOC). Brett Blanton is scheduled to testify before the a House Committee on Thursday received a report from inspector general outlining several misconduct allegations against him. 

Blanton, the federal agency that manages the U.S. Capitol Complex’s management, has been accused in a series of allegations. Representative Bryan Steil (R.WI), will be his witness before the House Administration Committee.

“We need to discuss your personal role as the head of the [Architect of the Capitol] and allegations that have been brought to light by the AOC Inspector General. I have read the IG report and the allegations are highly concerning,” Steil will Please say At the meeting, according a draft of his prepared speech obtained by POLITICO. 

Blanton was criticised after the inspector general. declared Many of the accusations against the bureaucrats were true. “substantiated.” Many of the concerns involve Blanton’s use of government vehicles. 

According to the inspector general, Blanton once used an AOC vehicle to chase after another driver who had hit an automobile belonging to his daughter’s boyfriend. Blanton was described in a police report as: “off-duty DC police officer,” He is not. According to reports, Blanton believed that Blanton was a cop officer and claimed that he posed as law enforcement during his pretrial hearings. 

Another incident detailed in the IG report claims Blanton’s daughter drove about 60 miles-per-hour in a 30-mile-per-hour zone while making an obscene gesture while exiting a parking garage. 

According to the inspector general, violations were committed in South Carolina, Florida, West Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, D.C., and other areas. The report revealed more than $13,000 in question costs for the vehicles. 

“The OIG [Office of Inspector General] identified a significant amount of administrative, ethical and policy violations, as well as evidence of criminal violations throughout the investigation. Blanton misled and provided false information to investigators on multiple occasions,” The report stated. 

A prepared statement obtained by POLITICO indicates that Blanton’s remarks to the committee will focus on the work of the Capitol Architect and not on the misconduct allegations. 

“Everyone at the AOC stands ready to support this Committee’s effort to meet current demands and to plan for the future. Together, we can protect and preserve this cherished institution as well as all of those who serve here. Across the agency, we are committed to working as one team, united in one mission,” Blanton prepared a statement.

Blanton, who some lawmakers want to resign, is also expected to be questioned about his decision to support erecting a fence around the Capitol ahead of President Biden’s State of the Union, a move which cost nearly $1 million. 

Blanton is now in the third year of the 10-year term.

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