Norton to Push for Architect of the Capitol Sensitive to Local D.C. Issues

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today thanked outgoing Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers for his service and for forging a productive relationship with her and her office. Norton said that given the large presence of the Capitol Complex in the heart of the District of Columbia, it is vital that the next Architect understand the surrounding local community and its issues and foster a positive relationship with D.C. residents and local leaders, who are neighbors. Norton will press the next Architect to work with her on a number of her priorities, including: the Louisiana Avenue Bike Lane project; her bill to permit filming on Capitol Grounds; and ensuring the complex remains open and accessible to the public, particularly the major roads such as Independence and Constitution Avenues. A bicameral and bipartisan congressional commission will recommend candidates to the president, who can pick his nominee from that list.

"As the search starts for a new Architect of the Capitol, I will press the selection commission to recommend candidates who understand and respect the unique relationship between the Capitol Complex and the surrounding District of Columbia community," Norton said. "The Capitol is in the heart of a thriving community where people live, walk, bike and commute, and it should not be treated like a fortress that imposes its will on residents solely in the name of security for Congress or knee-jerk, unnecessary concerns. I thank Mr. Ayers for his service and look forward to working with his replacement."