DeLauro Statement on Termination of Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton

House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) released the statement below following President Biden’s termination of Architect of the Capitol (AOC) J. Brett Blanton:

I appreciate the seriousness with which President Biden has taken the extremely concerning administrative, ethical, and policy violations J. Brett Blanton committed while he was Architect of the Capitol. On November 1, I joined colleagues in writing a letter calling for Mr. Blanton’s resignation, giving him the opportunity to respond to the numerous allegations. Unfortunately, our request went unanswered. I strongly support the President’s decision to take the necessary step of terminating him.

As a leader of the Committee that oversees funding for Legislative Branch agencies, I will work with my colleagues to ensure continued oversight over the AOC. The AOC has the integral role of leading the maintenance, development, and preservation of the Capitol Complex. By keeping the Capitol in working order, the AOC protects vital aspects of our democracy and enhances the physical security of Members, staff, and visitors.