WASHINGTON — Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton oscillated between dodging and outright denial Thursday as lawmakers peppered him with questions about allegations of unethical behavior and abuse of his office.
Thursday’s House Administration hearing was Blanton’s first appearance before a congressional panel since a damning inspector general report was released in October. That report found Blanton had misrepresented himself as a law enforcement officer, repeatedly misused his government-issued vehicle and led, along with his wife, prohibited private Capitol tours during COVID-19 lockdown. The misuse of the vehicle cost taxpayers nearly $14,000, the report stated.
Chairman Bryan Steil, R-Wis., characterized the report’s findings as “highly concerning” and began the hearing by announcing his plans to address “the elephant in the room.”
