H.R. 3196 would change how the Architect of the Capitol is appointed. Under the bill, the Architect would be appointed by a Congressional commission composed of members from the House of Representatives and Senate; the Architect also could appoint a Deputy Architect. The Architect manages the preservation and restoration of the campus buildings of the U.S. Capitol.
Under current law, a bicameral, bipartisan Congressional commission recommends candidates to the President, who appoints the Architect for a 10-year term with the advice and consent of the Senate. CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 3196 would cost less than $500,000 over the 2024-2028 period because the bill would not significantly affect Congressional responsibilities. Any spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
