Full Committee Hearing: Oversight of the Architect of the Capitol

The Committee on House Administration held a full committee hearing on June 4, 2026, to oversee the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) and discuss ongoing and future capital infrastructure projects. Key procurement-related topics included the recently completed Cannon Building renewal project, which concluded at $971 million—$200 million over the original 2009 estimate—and lessons learned to avoid similar cost overruns in the planned Rayburn House Office Building renovation. The AOC emphasized the critical need for financial discipline, timely completion, and minimizing disruption to congressional operations. The committee discussed the necessity of constructing new swing space to accommodate displaced offices during renovations, with a recommendation to build a new facility rather than refurbish existing buildings like Madison. The hearing also covered security infrastructure upgrades, elevator and escalator modernization, and the drafting of a new Capitol Complex Master Plan with outside consultants. Members highlighted the challenges of aging infrastructure, hazardous materials remediation, and the importance of maintaining operational continuity. The AOC committed to working closely with congressional leadership and security stakeholders to ensure project success and safety. No formal votes were recorded, but the hearing underscored the need for continued appropriations and oversight to support these large-scale capital improvement projects.