Huffman Calls on Biden to Appoint an Architect of the Capitol Who Will Increase Safety, Bar Members from Carrying Firearms

February 09, 2023

Washington, D.C. – Representative Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) led his colleagues in a letter to President Joe Biden strongly encouraging him to appoint a new Architect of the Capitol (AOC) who will enforce the ban on members of Congress from carrying firearms on the House Floor. This follows multiple reports of members violating the 1967 regulation. 

The letter comes after the termination of former AOC J. Brett Blanton and increased security concerns in the Capitol complex – including the removal of magnetometers outside of the House Floor by Republican Majority Leadership and the news that Speaker Kevin McCarthy provided Fox News’ Tucker Carlson and his producers with access to over 40,000 hours of highly sensitive security footage of the Capitol from the January 6th insurrection.

“It is imperative that the next Architect of the Capitol be mindful of threats from both outside and inside the Capitol complex and enforce rules barring Members of Congress from carrying firearms,” the members urged. “The new House Republican Majority has put the safety and security of the House Chamber, the very seat of American Democracy, at risk to infiltration and violence with reckless, politically motivated changes to rules governing safety in the chamber. In the wake of the violent insurrection of January 6, an attempt by a Member of Congress to bring a concealed weapon on to the House Floor, and other Members vowing to do so despite existing rules, we know from experience that the House is not free from the threat of workplace violence.”

In addition to Rep. Huffman, the letter was signed by Representatives Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Sean Casten (IL-06), Dwight Evans (PA-03), John Garamendi (CA-08), Barbara Lee (CA-12), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Donald M. Payne (NJ-10), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul Tonko (NY-20), David Trone (MD-06), and Juan Vargas (CA-52).

A copy of the letter can be viewed here or below.

 

President Joseph R. Biden

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500

 

Dear President Biden:

We write to applaud your recent decision to remove the Architect of the Capitol, J. Brett Blanton and request that you seize this opportunity to select a new Architect of the Capitol who will consider safety in the United States Capitol among their highest priorities. It is imperative that the next Architect of the Capitol be mindful of threats from both outside and inside the Capitol complex and enforce rules barring Members of Congress from carrying firearms.

As you know, the Architect of the Capitol is one of three members of the Capitol Police Board, along with the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms. The Board is responsible for the design, installation, and maintenance of security systems for the Capitol buildings and grounds, including regulating the ability of Members of Congress to carry firearms on their person, and to store them in their offices.

The new House Republican Majority has put the safety and security of the House Chamber, the very seat of American Democracy, at risk to infiltration and violence with reckless, politically- motivated changes to rules governing safety in the chamber. In the wake of the violent insurrection of January 6, an attempt by a Member of Congress to bring a concealed weapon on to the House Floor, and other Members vowing to do so despite existing rules, we know from experience that the House is not free from the threat of workplace violence. Considering the ability of Members of Congress to carry firearms in the capitol complex outside the House Floor, removal of magnetometers from the entrances to the House Floor, and record threats against the lives of Members of Congress, the new Architect of the Capitol will have an important role in providing a safe working environment.

We urge you to consider a candidate for the important role of Architect of the Capitol who will commit to greater safety in the U.S. House, and the entire Capitol complex. Their 10-year term provides an opportunity to prioritize safety in the Capitol Complex and ensure that the public can safely see their government at work, and that Members and staff can work without fear of threats to their physical safety.

Sincerely,

[Members of Congress]