WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) issued the following statement Tuesday, commending President Trump for issuing an executive order on Promoting Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture:

“As Winston Churchill said, ‘We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.’ And the shape of federal buildings over the last two generations has been abysmal: cold, boring, and contemptuous of America’s public taste and republican traditions. For decades, architectural elites and government bureaucrats have imposed their edifice complex on the American people, marring beautiful communities with ugly federal buildings.

“Federal buildings belong to the American people. And the American people – of every age, race, and ethnicity – prefer classical, humanist architecture in their government buildings. They don’t like the clunky, incoherent eyesores that the current elitist policy has too often yielded. So, it is time for a new policy, what might be called ‘civilian control of federal architecture.’

“Today’s Executive Order establishes a formal preference for the public’s favorite styles in new federal buildings, an oversight board to ensure it is followed, and – most important – requires the government to seek design input from the local communities who will actually see and use these buildings. Contrary to some criticism, the EO also provides for exactly the kind of robust regional and stylistic flexibility that has defined America’s diverse architectural heritage.”

“President Trump deserves credit for taking on elite special interests and fighting for the American people, once again.”