Full text of Chairman Steil's opening statement, as prepared:

Thank you to our witness, Mr. Blanton, for coming to testify before our committee today.
 
The Architect of the Capitol, or A-O-C, is one of the largest legislative branch entities, with over 2,400 employees and an annual operational budget exceeding $1 billion.
 
Every day, employees of the AOC provide maintenance and work to preserve the United States Capitol campus, which is recognized around the world as a symbol for American government and the freedoms we enjoy.
 
I want to say thank you to all the employees of the AOC for the work they do behind the scenes to keep the campus both functioning and beautiful.
 
We are also wrapping up a congressional transition where the AOC, along with other support offices, coordinated the moves of nearly 300 Member, committee, and leadership offices – that is no small feat and I want to thank everyone who helped with the transition.

The AOC has also played an important role in the full reopening of campus after nearly 3 years of closure under the previous majority, and I am excited that the Capitol Visitor Center will start welcoming visitors for Saturday tours again beginning March 4^th.
 
Changes to the House campus are occurring.

Following the move of the Department of Health and Human Services, we have new opportunities in O’Neil.

Last Congress, I did a walkthrough of the third phase of the Cannon Renewal Project which is now in its final phase.

That construction project is the most expensive the AOC has ever managed with cost overruns over 23%.
 
I look forward to learning how best to protect taxpayers moving forward.

Additionally, the AOC plays a central role in campus security, with you serving as one of three voting-members of the United States Capitol Police Board.

In fact, just last week, the Board voted to put up a fence for the State of the Union which cost nearly $1 million.
 
I have questions about this decision.

Your organization serves both chambers and interacts with members, committees, and their staffs more than almost any of the other legislative branch entities.

With the AOC playing such a key role here on the Capitol Campus, I am disappointed that over the last few Congresses, there’s hardly been any hearings focused on your organization’s leadership and long-term planning.
 
I acknowledge that is an error of previous congresses.

In fact, since you were appointed 3 years ago, this is the first time you have been invited to testify specifically to the strategic plan of the organization, and this is the first time in 6 years that the committee has had a hearing on this specific topic. 

I believe there has been a lack of oversight of your organization over the last several Congresses, which at times, has resulted in lapses of accountability.

As Chairman, I can assure you that accountability starts today.
 
This committee will bring more transparency and accountability into how Congress, including the AOC, functions.

Where we can, we want to do so in a nonpartisan way.

Our goal for today’s hearing is to get an update from you on the numerous projects and initiatives under your organization’s purview, some of which I briefly mentioned, and to learn more about the strategic plan for the organization.
 
I’m also going to address the elephant in the room.

We need to discuss your personal role as the head of the AOC 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.

I want to give you the opportunity to address the IG report head on, and I expect you to be truthful and transparent.

But this hearing today will be about more than just the IG report.
 
It will also include discussions about how accountability needs to be re-established throughout multiple functions of your organization.

After three years of being Architect, it is clear that there’s still a lot of work ahead to get the AOC to the standard of performance and service that Congress expects from a $1 billion a year investment.

I fully acknowledge that part of that requires an engaged Congress that works to get the AOC the resources and structure it needs to perform.

From where I’m sitting, it seems to be that after three years under your leadership, the organization still faces significant challenges and the allegations in the IG report need to be addressed before the AOC as an organization can move on.

Clearly we have a lot to talk about today, and I look forward to hearing from you.
 

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