Statement of J. Brett Blanton, P.E.

Architect of the Capitol 

Architect of the Capitol | U.S. Capitol | Washington, DC 20515 | 202.228.1793 | www.aoc.gov

Innovative Workspaces, Historic Spaces: Modernizing the House Office Buildings

Statement before the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, 

United States House of Representatives

March 17, 2022
Statement before the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress,

United States House of Representatives

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Chairman Kilmer, Vice-Chair Timmons, and Members of the Committee, thank you for the 

opportunity to testify today. I welcome the opportunity to share how the Architect of Capitol 

(AOC) is implementing the Committee’s recommendations as well as to highlight our work and 

initiatives. 

With your ongoing support, we will continue to preserve this cherished institution and serve all 

of those who work here. In doing so, I share the goals of this Committee to implement innovative 

and necessary improvements going forward. 

Through resilient and unwavering efforts, AOC staff ensure that Congress and the Supreme 

Court can function. The Capitol campus is home to 30,000 daily occupants, with more than 

2,200 AOC employees serving around the clock in diverse roles to maintain and preserve the 

buildings and grounds. The size and scope of the AOC’s responsibility is more than the early 

architects, engineers and tradespeople could have ever imagined. Yet, we are committed to doing 

the difficult work that leads to transformational change while preserving this revered space for 

future generations.

Every day we work to preserve our historic and aging infrastructure for the benefit of future 

generations. At the same time, we are working tirelessly to upgrade our capabilities and facilities 

to meet the technological, space and accessibility needs of a 21st-century workforce. 

Consistent with this Committee’s focus and recommendations, this testimony summarizes many 

of our current efforts to maintain and improve operations and facilities across the Capitol campus 

as well as our current work. At the same time, we are implementing smart solutions for this 

treasured historic institution that also serves as a fast-paced and round-the-clock workplace.

I. Historic Buildings & Architectural Innovation

At the AOC, we are committed to a forward-looking vision of the Capitol campus that will serve 

Capitol Hill and the American people well into the future. 

a. Critical Physical Security Improvements

As I have testified previously, delayed funding for projects has consequences, and we need 

adequate, consistent funding for ongoing improvements. Otherwise, we may face vulnerabilities 

associated with the deterioration and deferred improvements of these historic buildings and 

treasured grounds. 

Physical security is of paramount importance across the Capitol campus. Since my first day as 

Architect, physical security infrastructure improvements have been one of my top priorities. In 

October 2020, I consolidated all AOC security and emergency service functions under a new 

position called the Office of the Chief Security Officer (OCSO). In close and continuous 

coordination with my counterparts at the U.S. Capitol Police and the House and Senate Sergeant 

at Arms, we have put significant effort into addressing identified needs.
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United States House of Representatives

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The AOC’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 budget request demonstrates a renewed emphasis to support 

the security needs of Congress and others throughout the Capitol campus. Our request also 

highlights the need to reimburse project funding that was reallocated to support immediate 

security needs. In the aftermath of the physical damage resulting from events on January 6, the 

AOC took immediate action to fund physical security-related measures by reallocating funds 

from other projects and priorities. 

AOC also executed several campuswide lighting, alarms and grounds maintenance projects. 

Additional work related to external lighting, barrier improvement and window repair is ongoing, 

as are several projects related to improving security around the House Chamber and Leadership 

offices in the U.S. Capitol. 

Every day, the AOC continues to work with our partners and stakeholders to improve physical 

security across the Capitol campus. At the same time, the AOC worked with our Capitol Police 

Board partners to identify all required physical security projects for the FY 2023 budget request. 

While acknowledging the priorities identified by this Committee and other Members of 

Congress, I do need to emphasize the urgent importance of these campuswide security 

improvements and would appreciate your support.

b. Multi-year Planning for Facilities Maintenance

Working with House and Senate Committees of appropriations and oversight, the AOC will 

continue to adopt a multi-year approach for planning, design and execution of major projects. In 

doing so, we can continue to achieve and implement many of the recommendations by this 

Committee.

As reflected in the AOC’s FY 2023 budget request, we are working to transform the agency by 

adopting a more predictive approach to facilities maintenance. As we exercise a disciplined, 

consistent approach to examine the results of annual inspections and key infrastructure 

lifecycles, we will mitigate our increasing deferred maintenance requirements. 

Resources permitting, the AOC plans to launch a new initiative that will utilize technology to 

enhance our efficiency and operations. A new Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) system will 

provide a thorough asset management strategy to inform our work priorities and provide for datadriven fiscal decision-making and project prioritization. Specifically, EAM will establish a new 

tool to aid decision-making about operating, maintaining and renewing building and 

infrastructure assets such as buildings, machinery, vehicles and construction equipment. 

Should sufficient resources be provided for ongoing implementation, EAM will allow the AOC 

to manage maintenance-based strategies proactively, mitigate obsolescence, restore reliability, 

reduce long-term costs and forecast resource requirements. 

To be good stewards of our facilities, while managing a significant backlog of deferred 

maintenance requests, the AOC requires a comprehensive solution to track and monitor our 

assets, optimize performance and reduce operating costs. EAM will also maximize return on 

investment, while enhancing decision-making priorities. As we exercise a disciplined, consistent 

approach in response to annual inspections and key infrastructure lifecycles, we will mitigate 
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costs associated with deferred maintenance requirements. Taken together, these important, longterm initiatives contribute toward our physical security. We will continue to keep Congress 

updated on our efforts to launch and implement this new system.

c. Public Health & Safety

As you all know, the agency began responding to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic over 

two years ago. Since then, the AOC team has worked tirelessly to execute a campuswide 

response. 

As the Congress labors day and night to do its work, AOC employees are working nonstop to 

keep the entire campus clean, sanitized and well maintained to enable Members of Congress and 

congressional staff to do their jobs safely. The AOC team continues to meet campus needs by 

serving as the legislative branch purchasing agent for personnel protective equipment (PPE), 

managing the specialized cleaning of spaces identified by our partners and assessed by the Office 

of Attending Physician, and ensuring the facilities and utilities are well maintained for ongoing 

and future congressional needs. Strict adherence to pandemic safety protocols has allowed the 

agency to continue to meet its mission while ensuring the safety of its employees and the staff 

working on the Capitol campus.

At each phase, our priority will continue to be that we are meeting the demand as far as 

inventory and purchasing supplies made in America. In addition, we will continue to be nimble, 

adjusting to conditions and continuing to work closely with the Office of Attending Physician 

and other stakeholders across campus.

II. Space Utilization Recommendations and Accessibility

As the Committee knows, I have launched Vision 2100, a power and lasting statement about the 

future of the the Capitol campus over the next century. This initiative will incorporate a broad 

range of innovative ideas and best practices. The vision is a reflection of the divers voices on 

campus. As a starting point, our staff recently engaged with over 100 stakeholders and 

conducted over 50 interviews with Committee’s staff, Members of Congress, historians, 

visionaries and futurists to better understand the future needs of Members of Congress, staff and 

visitors. As this process continues, we welcome further participation by Members and staff of 

this Committee.

Already, conversations with Members and staff highlighted the many roles the campus has for 

our capital city and the nation: as an office, a museum, a legislative forum, a civic stage, a 

neighborhood park and so much more. The conversations also highlighted many of the 

Committee’s recommendations, making it clear there is a desire to create a more connected and 

engaged campus for all who work at and visit this special place. Several of the themes we heard 

during our interviews are consistent with the Committee’s recommendations. 

At the same time, we need to complete a campuswide Master Plan so we can take a 

comprehensive look at how we can preserve — and modernize — the Capitol campus during the 

next century. Together, Vision 2100 and an updated Master Plan can serve as a road map to 

implement many of the Committee’s recommendations in the years ahead.
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United States House of Representatives

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III. Innovation & Modernization of Historic Spaces

a. Taking Charge of Electric Vehicles

It’s worth noting one aspect of this effort has been to infuse our historic buildings with improved 

technological and modernized features. For example, the AOC has been tasked by Congress with 

the installation of electric vehicle charging stations across campus. As more Members of 

Congress and staff would like to utilize these options, the AOC is seeking support from Congress 

to implement solutions that would be more cost-effective and uniform across the Capitol campus.

At the moment, the House and Senate have each taken their own approaches. The AOC would 

like to find a way to implement a solution that maximizes the availability and efficiency of 

electric charging stations as demand continues to increase. In doing so, the AOC will also be able 

to leverage bulk purchasing and other cost efficiencies with a more streamlined approach.

Moreover, in the recently enacted FY 2022 Omnibus bill signed by President Biden, there is a 

reporting requirement for the AOC to examine the use of Motorized Micromobility Devices on 

the U.S. Capitol Grounds. Recognizing the use of dockless commercial scooters, or e-scooters, 

and other motorized devices for rent across the city, there is a need to examine how such usage 

will come onto campus. In addition, the appropriations bill recognized that such devices serve as 

popular commuting options for congressional staff, tourists and other visitors. Working with our 

partners, the AOC will need to engage with the District’s Department of Transportation and 

shared micromobility companies to explore the feasibility of installing shared e-scooter docking 

points, including hubs for parking and charging, at designated locations adjacent to campus. 

While public safety will need to come first, the AOC will take into consideration the request 

from Congress to review factors like rider convenience as well as appropriate signage and 

wayfinding to ensure that riders are informed of Capitol Grounds’ rules and regulations for 

proper usage. 

b. Modern Families on Capitol Hill

In addition, we have been making improvements to facilities over the past couple of years to 

meet the needs of a younger, more diverse and more family friendly workforce on Capitol Hill. 

There are currently more than 173 diaper changing stations on campus, including two changing 

tables on each floor of each House office building (one women’s, one men’s room), as well as 54

lactation stations. As with all of our services, we are constantly reviewing our facilities and 

making necessary updates as needed to best serve Congress.

c. Expanding Universal Access

The agency is committed to improving accessibility across campus. We are actively 

incorporating accessibility requirements into new projects, conducting accessibility surveys and 

inspections of the completed projects and the existing facilities for Americans with Disabilities 

Act (ADA) compliance, providing ADA training to AOC staff, and addressing the Office of 

Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR) reports on the ADA. Working with the House 
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Sergeant at Arms, the AOC was part of efforts to address the Committee’s recommendation in 

this area through the submission of a joint report submitted in November 2020. 

As Members of the Committee may know, the Cannon Renewal Project incorporates many 

accessibility improvements within a historic building. As part of Phase 1 of the Cannon Renewal, 

the ADA-accessible building entrance located on New Jersey Avenue was relocated and the 

door widened to accommodate wheelchairs and electric scooters. The same increased doorway 

width will be applied to the new ADA-accessible entrance now under construction as part of 

Phase 3. 

For all entrances, the building lobbies have been designed to increase the amount of space for 

access and security needs. In addition, the reconfigured public restrooms within each wing of the 

Cannon Building’s first through fifth floors will include an accessible restroom stall, and both 

the second and fourth phase of the project will include the construction of a total of six family 

restrooms. The drinking fountains will also comply with accessibility requirements.

Furthermore, the House Committee on Homeland Security and the House Budget Committee 

hearing rooms, located in the completed west wing, expanded accessibility at the dais for 

Members of Congress. Four additional elevators in the west and north wings now service the 

fifth floor, and accessibility upgrades to the remaining elevators and from the parking garage into 

the Cannon Building were also incorporated. As part of ongoing assessments and planning, the 

AOC will continue to implement similar measures across campus, as resources permit.

Consistent with the Committee’s recommendations, the AOC is prepared to support the 

Committee on House Administration with the evaluation of spaces and address identified needs. 

At the same time, the AOC is engaged in an ongoing review to determine any accessibility 

challenges for individuals with disabilities. 

In addition, we are currently undertaking two efforts that will improve our planning and result in 

a targeted and strategic approach to ensure compliance with the ADA. First, the agency is 

developing a Transportation and Mobility Study that seeks to identify the existing challenges and 

potential opportunities in key areas, including accessibility, as identified through the study’s 

stakeholder engagement process. This study will be completed later this year and will be used to 

inform Vision 2100 and the Master Plan. 

For example, as part of the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory Security Upgrade Project, the 

AOC is planning to install automatic door openers to improve accessibility for visitors. 

The AOC worked closely with the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services (OCAS) to 

provide a range of services to visitors with disabilities, including:

 Accessibility of all public tours 

 Audio tours 

 Sign language interpretation 

 Family restrooms 
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 Public teletype (TTY) large print, braille and HTML publications

 On-demand shuttle service for individuals who use manual wheelchairs or 

who need mobility assistance

IV. Retaining a Strong & Talented Workforce

I want to express my deep appreciation to the employees of the AOC. During my tenure, I have 

been continually impressed by our team members’ professionalism and commitment to service, 

both in their day-to-day jobs and by their service throughout the pandemic and in the wake of 

January 6. Their actions on January 6 deserve our respect and admiration. However, the physical 

work of recovery is only half of the story. As Members and congressional staff know, personal 

recovery from the trauma of that day is ongoing. To that end, we have developed a series of 

programs to provide services and support to all staff. AOC staff participate in mental, physical,

and financial wellness webinars. In addition, the AOC has a robust wellness program that

includes a wide range of initiatives, including a Step Challenge, healthy eating demonstrations 

and a Wellness Champion program. Across the AOC, employees passionate about health and 

wellness contribute toward a series of wellness programs, including course offerings for mental,

physical and financial health. 

Additionally, I have enhanced the AOC Employee Assistance Program (EAP). It is a free, 

voluntary and confidential program that assists employees as they work through the stress of

personal or professional challenges. Employees and family members also have access to 

TalkNow, which offers immediate, 24/7 telephonic access to confidential counseling support 

delivered by qualified behavioral health professionals. Going into next year, EAP will provide 

additional resources relating to the “anniversary effect” of tragic events, as well as specialized 

programs on building resiliency. Employees can also access behavioral health services that 

provide a number of helpful resources like monthly topical webinars, articles, tools, videos, 

training and screenings. While we must continue improving the physical security of the Capitol 

campus, we must not lose sight of the individual needs of our employees. 

Through all these measures and ongoing coordination with our partners, we are working to make 

the Capitol campus a safe environment for employees and visitors. Yet, like all employers across 

America, we are also taking a look at how we may need to adjust our operations going forward.

For example, the AOC is now pursuing its own review of how space is used by AOC employees. 

While the majority of our workforce needs to be on Capitol Hill every day, I am encouraging the 

use of shared desk space and shared parking as we take a look at employees who may be 

teleworking on a more regular basis after the last two years. 

As I have said since my first day with the agency, the overall success of the AOC begins with 

our staff. Our ability to support our front-line operations is critical to the organization’s success 

as well as the success of Congress. While improvement to physical security remains a top 

priority, I also remain committed to maintaining a positive climate where AOC employees have 

the skills, training, equipment and support to serve Congress and the Supreme Court on behalf of 

the American people.
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United States House of Representatives

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V. Conclusion

Looking ahead, we can succeed with these initiatives if adequate resources are available. Yet, as 

this Committee has recognized, significant investments are necessary to modernize the Capitol 

campus infrastructure in a manner that adheres to the requirements associated with historic 

preservation. 

The AOC’s FY 2023 budget reflects a renewed emphasis to support the operational needs of 

Congress, the Supreme Court and the entire Capitol campus. In addition, future budget 

submissions will reflect agencywide efforts to transform the agency by adopting a more 

predictive approach to facilities maintenance. Taken together, these important, long-term 

initiatives will improve our efficiency and will also contribute toward a more secure and wellfunctioning environment across the Capitol campus.

We need to work together to adopt a multi-year approach for planning, design and execution of 

major projects in order to avoid the risks arising from resource constraints. Looking ahead, we 

look forward to considering how the Committee’s recommendations align with the AOC’s 

Vision 2100 initiative. In addition, the AOC’s Complex Master Plan will enable us to identify 

ways to address deterioration of buildings and grounds while also considering innovations for 

future work. As you all know well, significant investments may be necessary to ensure historic 

preservation, improved workspaces, physical security as well as the safety of our buildings for 

Congress and visitors. 

Thank you for the invitation to testify, and I look forward to answering your questions.