Capitol Hill’s top manager will face lawmakers under oath after a report accused him of allegedly misusing funds and misrepresenting himself as an off-duty officer.
Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton will appear before the House Administration Committee on Thursday. The committee oversees Blanton and his agency’s strategic plans to update Capitol Hill’s aging campus. However, now they will exercise their power to investigate allegations of Blanton’s misconduct.
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A 10-page report by the Architect of the Capitol’s inspector general, which came out in November 2022, determined that Blanton misused his position by using agency vehicles to transport himself and his family for personal use in both Washington, D.C. and other states, such as Florida, West Virginia, and South Carolina. The travels added 18,853 extra miles over the estimated yearly mileage for an official car.
Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) has called the allegations the “elephant in the room,” per Politico.
“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 [Architect of the Capitol] Inspector General. I have read the IG report, and the allegations are highly concerning,” Steil plans to say in his opening statement, the outlet reported.
Blanton also allegedly allowed his daughter access to one of the agency cars, and she was caught driving 65 mph in a 30 mph zone while leaving the parking garage of a Walmart in Virginia and making “obscene gestures,” per the report.
While Blanton’s position makes him a member of the Capitol Police Board, he does not have any law enforcement authority. However, the report said that he allegedly posed as an off-duty cop and used a government-issued car to pursue a driver he believed committed a hit-and-run on his daughter’s boyfriend.
The report ultimately accused Blanton of misleading and providing false information throughout the investigation “on multiple occasions.”
“Blanton’s actions have violated every pillar the [Office of the Inspector General] operates under, including theft, fraud, waste, and abuse against not only the [Architect of the Capitol] but also the taxpayer,” the report said.
In a prepared statement obtained by Politico, Blanton plans to focus on his office’s recent work and present plans for additional changes to the Capitol, including improvements in physical security around the complex and accessibility.
“Everyone at the [Architect of the Capitol] stands ready to support this Committee’s effort to meet current demands and to plan for the future,” Blanton’s statement reads. “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.”
Despite the committee’s oversight abilities to make inquiries, they do not have the power of punishment. Only a president can remove the Architect of the Capitol, so the most the committee can do is call for Blanton’s resignation.
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Other topics that might come up in the committee hearing could relate to the time frame and budget for several projects. In his prepared remarks, Steil said he “has questions” about the temporary fencing around the Capitol ahead of President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, which cost close to $1 million. Renovations for the Cannon House Office Building have also gone over budget, per Politico.
The Washington Examiner reached out to the Architect of the Capitol for a statement on the allegations and Thursday’s hearing.
