Steil offers bill increasing Congressional oversight of Architect of the Capitol

U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) introduced the bipartisan Architect of the Capitol Appointment Act of 2023, which would set 10-year term limits for an architect who would be appointed by a newly established congressional commission. 

Specifically, H.R. 3196 would strengthen congressional oversight of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) by empowering a congressional commission to appoint and remove the architect by a bipartisan, majority vote, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.

“This bill will give Congress sole responsibility in selecting new leadership and, when necessary, the authority to hold bad actors accountable,” said Rep. Steil, who on May 10 sponsored H.R. 3196 with lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY).

“I am proud to be a part of this legislation and work with my colleagues to strengthen congressional oversight, and I look forward to our continued work ahead,” added Rep. Morelle.

H.R. 3196 is companion legislation to the same-named S. 97, introduced on Jan. 26 by U.S. Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

“The AOC is directly responsible for the management of the Capitol Complex, yet Congress has lacked the tools to hold the position accountable and improve the agency’s processes,” Sen. Fischer said. “Our bipartisan legislation would reform the AOC, bringing much needed oversight that will boost transparency and improve service.”

“I’m focused on bringing greater accountability to the legislative branch entities,” said Rep. Steil, who agreed that the AOC’s importance requires modernization of the appointment process.

If enacted, the measure would establish a congressional commission for the appointment of the AOC made up of the U.S. Senate majority and minority leaders, U.S. Speaker of the House and minority leader, and the chairmen and ranking members of the U.S. Senate Rules Committee, U.S. Committee on House Administration, U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. House Appropriations Committee, according to the text of the bill.

Additionally, the bill would authorize the AOC, by majority vote, to appoint, re-appoint, or remove an architect, rather than the president, and would require that the AOC appoint a deputy architect within 120 days of a vacancy in the position, among other provisions.