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Chairman Steil's full opening statement as prepared for delivery:
Mr. Austin, welcome back to the Committee on House Administration.
Under your two years of leadership, we've seen a lot of positive changes on the Capitol campus, both in management and to the infrastructure.
The Architect of the Capitol has broad responsibilities, as we all know, and deals with unique challenges every day.
I'm eager to hear your recommendations on how we can continue to improve the AOC's operations and learn lessons from the past.
I'll start with the recently completed Cannon Building renewal project.
While I know I speak for pretty much everyone on campus in saying we're pleased we are to see this project finally coming to a close - there's definitely some tough lessons that we can learn from.
As Congress debates future large-scale projects like this, my primary goal is to ensure that we are good stewards of taxpayer resources.
Mr. Austin, that's exactly why your perspective today is so critical.
Look at the final Cannon renewal project cost - it was $971 million dollars.
That's a $200 million increase from the original 2009 estimate.
These lessons are critical as we turn our attention to the rebuild of the Rayburn building.
That renovation must prioritize financial discipline and completing the project on time.
The Rayburn building plays a significant role for this institution.
It houses nearly 200 member offices, committee hearing rooms, suites, SCIFs, three levels of parking, and even a Capitol Police firing range.
Unfortunately, despite being a newer building, it's in far greater need of renovation than the Longworth building, according to our experts.
Cost estimates, including swing space construction, in some ways are mind-boggling.
And, as we develop plans for such a massive project, it's also essential that we minimize disruption to Capitol operations.
That's why in 2024, the AOC initiated a swing space study to address this question.
Results of the study were presented to Members in December 2025.
I've appreciated your focus on this growing issue and the regular updates you have provided this Committee during that review process.
I look forward to discussing that in detail today.
We'll also discuss the ongoing work by the AOC to draft a new Capitol Complex Master Plan, or CCMP.
In theory, this must be done every five years.
But as we know, it has been fifteen years since this has been completed..
I both appreciate and applaud your efforts to prioritize drafting this update and look forward to reviewing the published document.
I'll also underscore the need for stakeholder engagement on this plan, especially given the efforts by the Trump Administration to clean up and beautify the nation's capital for everyone to enjoy.
Before I conclude, let me thank you, Mr. Austin, for your work.
In particular your staff across this campus who work dutifully every day to keep Congress open and accessible to the public.
It's no easy task.
As we celebrate the nation's 250th birthday, I look forward to discussing how we can work together to prepare Congress to serve the American people for the next 250 years.
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