WASHINGTON - The Committee on House Administration's Ranking Republican Dan Lungren, R-Calif., delivered the following statement in support of the Architect of the Capitol Appointment Act (H.R. 2843):

 "Today, I rise in support of this bill, which will establish a bicameral process by which to appoint the Architect of the Capitol.

 "The Architect has carried the responsibility of preserving and enhancing the Capitol complex, since construction on the U.S. Capitol began in 1793.  Following the construction of the Capitol Visitor Center, management and administration of the Center was placed under the purview of the Architect, further cementing the Architect's role in support of the legislature and its operations. 

 "Accordingly, it is appropriate that the process by which the Architect is appointed is a bipartisan, bicameral process, free of influence from the Executive Branch.  The appointment process will be better aligned with the mission of the office, by emphasizing the relationship between the Architect and the ongoing legislative operations of the federal government.

 "I am pleased to support this bipartisan bill and encourage the support of my colleagues."

 

For more information, please contact the Committee press office at (202) 225-8281.