Bipartisan legislation that would reshape how the architect of the Capitol is appointed or removed has made it into the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act and is poised to pass before Congress goes home for the holidays.
It would give Congress the sole power to hire or fire the architect, whose agency is responsible for the maintenance, operation and preservation of the Capitol complex.
“Given the importance [of the AOC] to Congress it just seemed as though the system needs to be designed to protect the interests of the people here — members, staff … and everyday Americans who come to the Capitol to visit,” said Democratic Rep. Joseph D. Morelle of New York.
