Klobuchar, Fischer Statement on the Advancement of Bipartisan Legislation to Allow Congress to Appoint and Remove the Architect of the Capitol in National Defense Authorization Act

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Deb Fischer (R-NE), Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration with oversight over the Architect of the Capitol, released the following statement on the advancement of the Architect of the Capitol Appointment Act in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Klobuchar and Fischer introduced the bipartisan, bicameral legislation earlier this year to strengthen congressional oversight of the Architect of the Capitol by empowering a congressional commission to appoint and remove the Architect by a bipartisan, majority vote.

"The Architect of the Capitol oversees one of our country's most cherished landmarks and the congressional workplaces housed within it," said Klobuchar. "Given the far-reaching scope of the role, it's essential for Congress to have the authority to appoint and remove the Architect through a bipartisan, majority vote. This legislation will strengthen congressional oversight of the office of the Architect of the Capitol and ensure it is accountable to Congress."

"The Architect of the Capitol manages the grounds and buildings Congress occupies, and yet Congress lacks the tools to hold the Architect of the Capitol accountable. Our bill will bring much needed accountability to AOC, boost transparency, and improve service for Americans visiting the Capitol," said Fischer.

Klobuchar and Fischer introduced the Architect of the Capitol Appointment Act with U.S. Representatives Bryan Steil (R-WI) and Joe Morelle (D-NY), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, the House committee with oversight over the Architect of the Capitol.

The Architect of the Capitol Appointment Act:

• Establishes a congressional commission for the appointment of the Architect made up of the Senate majority and minority leaders, Speaker of the House and minority leader, and the chairs and ranking members of the Senate Rules Committee, Committee on House Administration, Senate Appropriations Committee, and House Appropriations Committee.
  
  
• Authorizes the commission, by majority vote, to appoint, re-appoint, or remove an Architect, rather than the President.
  
  
• Requires the Architect to appoint a Deputy Architect within 120 days of a vacancy in the position, and authorizes the commission to do so by majority vote if the Architect does not do so.
  
  
• In the instance of an absence in both the Architect and Deputy Architect roles, authorizes the commission, by majority vote, to designate an Acting Architect.

###