#J. Brett Blanton

[dontmeantobepoliticalbut]

Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida said Thursday he's certain that House Democrats will not change tack and elect a moderate Republican for Speaker — and if they do, he'll resign.

Gaetz was speaking with the Fox News host Laura Ingraham and was asked about the possibility of Democratic representatives breaking ranks. Ingraham earlier Thursday night said on her show that there may be a scenario in which the Democratic Party helped elect Rep. Kevin McCarthy or another Republican so that "both parties share power on the committees."

Gaetz disagreed.

"I'm on the floor, Laura. These 212 Democrats are going to vote for Hakeem Jeffries every single time," the Florida Republican told Ingraham. "He is a historic candidate for them. They are not going to cleave off under any circumstance. I assure you of that."

"If Democrats join up to elect a moderate Republican, I will resign from the House of Representatives. That is how certain I am. I can assure your viewers: That won't happen," Gaetz added.

Gaetz was referring to House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who will become the first Black congressional party leader when he's sworn in. Jeffries secured all 212 votes from his party for the 11 speakership ballots held as of Thursday.

McCarthy is vying for the Speakership but has failed 11 consecutive times to secure the 218 votes needed. He now needs to convince the 20 hardliners — dubbed "Never Kevins," a crew of congresspeople blocking his Speakership bid — that he's the man for the job.

Gaetz might have some cause for confidence. On Tuesday, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York was spotted speaking with Gaetz on the House floor. The Democratic congresswoman told The Intercept that during that conversation, she assured Gaetz that her party would not help McCarthy get the votes he needed.

"McCarthy was suggesting he could get Dems to walk away to lower his threshold," Ocasio-Cortez told The Intercept of her conversation with Gaetz. "And I fact-checked and said absolutely not."

Other Democrats also struck a similar tone, making it clear that they would not throw McCarthy a lifeline.

"At the end of the day, this is a Republican mess," Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna told CNN earlier in the week. "This is a failure of them to govern. This is their problem to fix."

Gaetz is a prominent figure in the "Never Kevin" movement. Before the first speakership vote Tuesday, he delivered a scathing rebuke of the California congressman.

The Florida congressman has also been trolling McCarthy and mocking him for his consistent failures. On Tuesday, Gaetz posted on Twitter a letter to J. Brett Blanton, the Architect of the Capitol, asking why McCarthy was allowed to work from the Speaker's Suite despite not yet landing the job.

"What is the basis in law, House rule, or precedent to allow someone who has placed second in three successive Speaker elections to occupy the Speaker of the House Office?" Gaetz wrote in his letter. "How long will he remain there before he is considered a squatter?"

Gaetz has over the past three days consistently voted to block McCarthy from securing the speakership. On Thursday, Gaetz voted for former President Donald Trump to be Speaker, even after McCarthy made significant concessions to the "Never Kevin" camp.

McCarthy was initially confident in his bid for Speaker after winning the nomination at a House GOP leadership meeting in November, following the midterm elections.

But members of the far-right House Freedom Caucus threw a wrench into McCarthy's campaign, saying they wouldn't support his bid unless he committed to less government spending and agreed to give the party more power to remove the speaker.

Representatives for Gaetz and McCarthy did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

[republicansaredomesticterrorists]

MAGAt “tour guide.”

[news-of-the-day]

2/14/23

At least 100K protested in Jerusalem over Netanyahu's proposed changes to the judiciary that would weaken it. Netanyahu and his coalition wants the Knesset to be able to overturn some decisions as well as make judicial appointments solely under its purview (the current system requires both politicians and judges to agree on an appointment). Considering how right-wing the current Knesset is, many are worried limiting judicial power would result in many liberties being revoked.

Biden fired the architect of the Capitol, J. Brett Blanton. The architect is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the Capitol complex (Capitol itself, Supreme Court, Library of Congress). Last week in a testimony in front of the House, Blanton admitted he purposefully stayed home from work during the January 6th riot. That, and combined with revelations he is misusing Capitol funds, started a bipartisan clamor to fire him.

George Santos, the freshman representative from Long Island, has a long list of issues ranging from inventing his entire resume, lying his mother was at the WTC in 9/11, accused of raising funds to save a homeless man's dog and then taking the money, and of taking puppies and then not paying for them, and of sexually assaulting staff, but what may actually take him down is campaign finance because there's an unexplained $365K missing and it's probable he spent it on things like trips to Vegas or Palm Beach.

A gunman killed three at Michigan State University before killing himself. He has not been identified, but his reported age is 43 so probably not a student.

1) Haaretz 2) Washington Post 3) NYT 4) AP

[follow-up-news]

President Biden on Monday fired J. Brett Blanton, the federal official responsible for the maintenance and operation of the Capitol complex, amid bipartisan calls for his resignation after an investigative report accusing him of misusing his position and revelations that he avoided the Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack.

Mr. Blanton, who was appointed in 2019 as the architect of the Capitol, had been under scrutiny since last fall after a report by the inspector general of his office documented evidence supporting serious allegations against him. Among the accusations were that he had misused government-issued vehicles, misled investigators and impersonated a police officer on multiple occasions.

But concerns among lawmakers in both parties intensified at a 90-minute hearing on Friday in which Mr. Blanton gave noncommittal and at times contradictory answers about his conduct, including his decision to stay away from the Capitol during the Jan. 6 riot.

On Monday morning, Speaker Kevin McCarthy said on Twitter that Mr. Blanton “no longer has my confidence to continue in his job,” and should resign or be removed by Mr. Biden.

A White House official said that after conducting due diligence on the matter, the president had directed that Mr. Blanton be fired.

[truck-fump]

Former <b>Trump</b> appointee forced to repay Treasury for misuse of funds, GOP senator announces

New Post has been published on https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/former-trump-appointee-forced-repay-treasury-misuse-government-propert-rcna84661&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjUzM2UwMTY5ZmFhZTIwMGQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AOvVaw1ie-46LZW62hQYhVj_tNCL

Former Trump appointee forced to repay Treasury for misuse of funds, GOP senator announces

U.S. taxpayer resources that were “misused” by former Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton were repaid to the federal government, Sen.

[latestinbollywood]

Who Is Amritpal Singh Wife? Biography, Wiki, Age, Parents, Net Worth 2023 & More

Who Is Amritpal Singh Wife? - Amritpal Singh is a Punjabi young Sikh boy. He is mostly known as a member of Punjab's social activist group Waris Punjab De Group. He is also a Sikh Dharma Pracharak (Minister of Religion). He is the second leader of the Punjabi-centric social organization, Waris Panjab De.

Who Is Amritpal Singh Wife? Children

Amritpal Singh's marital status is Married. He married Kirandeep Kaur on 10 February 2023. Kirandeep Kaur is a UK-based NRI. Whenever we find out more about this topic then we update this information. 

Biography, Wiki, Age

Amritpal was born on 18 January 1993 in Jallupur Khaira, Baba Bakala, Amritsar, Punjab, India. He is 30 years old as of 2023. His zodiac sign is Capricorn. His educational background and qualifications details are under review. Whenever we find out anything related to this topic then we update this information. He follows Sikhism.  Full Name Amritpal Singh Nick Name Amritpal Date of Birth 18 January 1993 Birthplace Jallupur Khaira, Baba Bakala, Amritsar, Punjab, India Age 30 years Religion Sikhism Nationality Indian Zodiac Sign Capricorn Parents Under Review Siblings Under Review Height 6 feet 0 inches Weight 75 Kilograms School Under Review College Under Review Net Worth Under Review

Parents, Siblings

Amritpal's parents' names and their professions are under review. His siblings' names and their professions are also under review. He hasn't shared anything related to his family with the media or on any social media. Whenever we find out anything related to this topic then we update this information.

Net Worth 2023

Amritpal's net worth is under review. Whenever we find out anything related to this topic then we update this information.

Height, Weight

Amritpal height is around 6 Feet 0 inches and his weight is approx 75 kg, his hair color is black and his eye color is also black.

Nationality, Caste, Religion

Amritpal's nationality is Indian. He belongs to the Jatt community and he follows the Sikhism religion.

Social Media

Instagram Click Here Twitter Click Here Linkedin Click Here Facebook Click Here FAQS About Amritpal Singh Waris Punjab De Q1) Who is Amritpal Singh? Ans) He is the second leader of the Punjabi-centric social organization, Waris Panjab De. Q2) What is the age of Amritpal Singh? Ans) He is 30 years old as of 2023. Q3) What is the caste of Amritpal Singh? Ans) He belongs to the Jatt community. Q4) What is the Nationality of Amritpal Singh? Ans) His Nationality is Indian. Read Also - Who is J. Brett Blanton? Read the full article

[newswireml]

Trouble deepens for Architect of the Capitol as Kevin McCarthy calls for firing#Trouble #deepens #Architect #Capitol #Kevin #McCarthy #calls #firing

Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton’s problems worsened Monday as Speaker Kevin McCarthy and House Administration Chairman Bryan Steil joined the growing list of lawmakers calling for his resignation. Blanton, who was appointed to the role by former President Donald Trump in 2019, was called in to testify before the House Administration Committee on Thursday in part to answer for a damning…

[gamegill]

US President fires Capitol appointee amid January 6 criticism | Government News

United States President Joe Biden has fired the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), a figure responsible for the upkeep and operation of the buildings that house Congress and other key government offices, amid criticism that he abused his position. J Brett Blanton, a civil engineer appointed to the role under former President Donald Trump, faced accusations of “administrative, ethical and policy…

[hostor-infotech]

US President fires Capitol appointee amid January 6 criticism | Government News

United States President Joe Biden has fired the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), a figure responsible for the upkeep and operation of the buildings that house Congress and other key government offices, amid criticism that he abused his position. J Brett Blanton, a civil engineer appointed to the role under former President Donald Trump, faced accusations of “administrative, ethical and policy…

[dontmeantobepoliticalbut]

A federal watchdog is accusing the Architect of the Capitol, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, of ethics violations over an offer to provide tours to "patriots" weeks before the November 2020 election.

The inspector general with oversight over J. Brett Blanton, the Architect of the Capitol, found that one of his immediate family members offered private tours of the US Capitol in September 2020 while the building was closed due to COVID-19, according to a newly released report.

A post on social media included photos of Blanton and the family member from the dome of the Capitol with a comment stating: "This is happening!!!" and "All PATRIOTS welcome," according to the report. That comment was later edited to read: "*Patriots=Americans who love America. Not a candidate," the report said.

The inspector general also accused Blanton of abuse of government property and wasting taxpayer dollars by allowing his family to drive a government-owned vehicle and taking the vehicles on out-of-town trips to South Carolina and Florida, according to the report.

While serving on the US Capitol Police Board and overseeing the Capitol's property management and operations, Blanton had access to three government-owned vehicles.

"The OIG identified a significant amount of administrative, ethical and policy violations as well as evidence of criminal violations throughout the investigation," the report said. "Blanton's actions have violated every pillar the OIG operates under including theft, fraud, waste and abuse against not only the AOC but also the taxpayer," the report continued, referring to the acronym for the Architect of the Capitol.

The Office of the Inspector General referred the case to the US attorney's office in Washington, DC, and the Eastern District of Virginia, and both offices declined charges. Inspector general investigators also have referred their findings to the IRS for potential tax violations and to congressional committees with oversight authority. Investigators wrote they intend to present the investigative findings and possible violations of law in Virginia to the Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney.

Blanton did not respond to CNN requests for comment.

Inspector general investigators wrote in the report that the probe into Blanton began in March 2021 when a private citizen reported a woman drove Blanton's government-issued SUV recklessly by swerving out of a Walmart garage, driving 65 miles per hour in a 30 miles per hour zone, and making obscene gestures at another driver.

The investigation determined Blanton's daughters had been driving and riding in the SUV, and further, that others had complained in the past.

"Additional evidence and testimony confirmed the AOC vehicles intended for [Home-To-Work] transportation by Blanton were consistently used as personal vehicles by both Blanton and his family for weekend trips to a craft brewery, out-of-town trips and general family use," the report said.

Investigators also said Blanton allowed his daughters, their friends and a boyfriend to freely use one vehicle. According to the report, one of Blanton's daughters told investigators she "had transported her friends and boyfriend in the vehicle and referred to using the AOC's fuel as 'free gas.' "

In about a two-year period, Blanton's vehicle racked up roughly 30,000 miles, though Blanton should, by policy, have only driven 10,000. This resulted in nearly $1,400 in wasted taxpayer funds, investigators found.

In one instance, investigators said Blanton drove a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee to a brewery in Leesburg, Virginia, and was involved in an accident, costing the Architect of the Capitol about $1,400. During the incident, Blanton claimed to be an "agent" and that the government would handle his insurance claim.

Blanton used the same Jeep to pursue a hit and run near his home after his daughter's boyfriend's car was struck. The police report obtained from that incident identified Blanton as an "off-duty DC police officer," and the suspect in the incident claimed Blanton affirmed he was a law enforcement member.

Blanton's role as Architect of the Capitol includes access to police information but does not grant him police powers.

Each vehicle Blanton used has an emergency equipment package, including law enforcement lights and sirens, a US Capitol Police radio and a satellite phone.

Despite his use of law enforcement-style vehicles, Blanton did not respond to the January 6, 2021, attack, the report noted.

Blanton may have intended to use more government funds inappropriately when he requested to remove a GPS tracking device from his vehicle and to replace the second-row captain's chairs with a bench seat.

According to another family member, "This was at the request of his daughters to have more room for guests," investigators wrote.

[moazdijkot]

US President fires Capitol appointee amid January 6 criticism | Government News #news #breakingnews

United States President Joe Biden has fired the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), a figure responsible for the upkeep and operation of the buildings that house Congress and other key government offices, amid criticism that he abused his position. J Brett Blanton, a civil engineer appointed to the role under former President Donald Trump, faced accusations of “administrative, ethical and policy…

[insideusnet]

Federal watchdog accuses Architect of the Capitol of ethics violations over offer to give 'patriots' tours | CNN Politics : Inside US

Federal watchdog accuses Architect of the Capitol of ethics violations over offer to give ‘patriots’ tours | CNN Politics : Inside US

CNN  —  A federal watchdog is accusing the Architect of the Capitol, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, of ethics violations over an offer to provide tours to “patriots” weeks before the November 2020 election. The inspector general with oversight over J. Brett Blanton, the Architect of the Capitol, found that one of his immediate family members offered private tours of the US…

[tomorrowusa]

It would be very disappointing if anybody involved in the US Capitol insurrection by pro-Trump terrorists managed to escape justice.

In addition to criminal prosecutions, the participants and instigators of the insurrection should be made to pay for the damage caused to the Capitol on January 6th.

Architect Of The Capitol Outlines $30 Million In Damages From Pro-Trump Riot

The cost of repairing damages from the attack on the U.S. Capitol and related security expenses have already topped $30 million and will keep rising, Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton told lawmakers on Wednesday.

The events of Jan. 6, he said, were "difficult for the American people and extremely hard for all of us on campus to witness."

Their property should be confiscated and auctioned off to pay for damages caused by their orgy of violence in what amounted to a failed coup.

[truck-fump]

Biden fires architect of the Capitol after <b>Trump</b> appointee criticized - The Washington Post

New Post has been published on https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/02/13/blanton-architect-capitol-biden/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjUzM2UwMTY5ZmFhZTIwMGQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AOvVaw0OquVCkq18O-VYPMsHrCGu

Biden fires architect of the Capitol after Trump appointee criticized - The Washington Post

President Biden has fired Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton, a Trump appointee who faced calls to resign from Republicans and Democrats …