House passes RFK stadium bill to lure Washington Commanders back to DC
The House Passes Bill to Revitalize RFK Stadium Land and Bring Back Washington Commanders
The House of Representatives made a significant move on Wednesday by passing a bill that will transfer ownership of the Robert F. Kennedy Stadium land to the District of Columbia. This exciting development paves the way for district leaders to draw the Washington Commanders NFL team back to the district.
The D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act
The D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act, co-sponsored by the rare duo of Rep. James Comer (R-KY) and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), aims to lease the federally owned RFK land to the district government for 99 years. This lease will allow them to redevelop the land as they see fit. The bill passed the lower chamber with an impressive vote of 348-55, with only six Democrats voting against it, all of whom were representatives from Maryland, the Commanders’ current home.
“Today’s passage of the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act represents Congress doing its job to oversee the District,” stated Rep. Comer following the vote. He emphasized that without this legislation, the land would remain unused, burdening the federal government with maintenance costs and environmental liabilities. Comer expressed his excitement about working with the Senate to advance the bill to the President’s desk.
Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY), who spoke in favor of the bill, believes that this legislation will transform what was once a blight on our nation’s capital into a thriving area of commerce and community.
Comer has positioned the bill as a relief to taxpayers, granting revitalization authority to the D.C. Council while prohibiting the use of federal funds for future stadium development. Instead, the district will have the opportunity to create storefronts, restaurants, and office buildings.
Passing this bill brings the district one step closer to its goal of bringing back the Commanders, who left in 1996 to play at FedEx Field in Maryland. Mayor Muriel Bowser has been vocal about relocating the team to the district, although some D.C. Council members and local community members near the stadium have expressed concerns.
Washington, D.C., is not alone in its pursuit of the Commanders. While Maryland is fighting to keep the NFL team, Virginia is also hoping to secure the Commanders as their own. The potential moves of the Washington Wizards and Capitals to a new sports arena in the Potomac Yard area would be a setback for Mayor Bowser’s plans.
Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-MD) opposed the bill, arguing that Prince George’s County, where FedEx Field is located, should have the opportunity to compete on an equal footing to keep the Commanders in Maryland.
Following the vote, other House Republicans expressed their dissatisfaction with the RFK vote. Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) voiced concerns about taxpayers being burdened with the cost of a new NFL stadium, especially considering the NFL’s tax-exempt status.
Del. Norton, a strong advocate for Washington, D.C., statehood, countered these claims by asserting that the decision to build a stadium on the land would ultimately be made by the elected D.C. government. She sees the bill as a win-win for both the federal and D.C. government.
The legislation now moves on to the Senate, bringing the district one step closer to revitalizing the RFK Stadium land and potentially welcoming back the Washington Commanders.
What are the economic benefits that will come with the revitalization of RFK Stadium through the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act?
Ea. He praised the bipartisan effort behind the bill and emphasized the economic benefits that will come with the revitalization of RFK Stadium. Langworthy highlighted that the redevelopment will generate jobs, attract tourists, and bring revenue to the local economy.
Many district leaders and residents are also thrilled about the prospects of bringing back the Washington Commanders to their rightful home. The team has a rich history in the district, having played at RFK Stadium for over 36 years before moving to Maryland in 1997. This relocation has been a source of disappointment for many fans who still cherish the memories made at RFK.
Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed her gratitude to Rep. Comer and Del. Norton for their bipartisan work on the bill. She sees this as an opportunity to honor the legacy of Robert F. Kennedy, who was a strong advocate for civil rights and social justice. Bowser believes that having the Commanders back in the district will reinvigorate the community and create a sense of pride.
The bill’s passage has also garnered support from local businesses and organizations. Many see the return of the Commanders as a catalyst for economic growth and increased visibility for the district. The team’s presence will attract visitors from across the country, boosting tourism and benefiting local businesses.
However, not everyone is on board with the idea of bringing back the Commanders. Some residents and community activists have voiced concerns over the potential negative effects of a major sports franchise returning to the district. They worry about increased traffic, noise pollution, and gentrification.
Despite these concerns, the majority of district residents are hopeful and excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. The return of the Commanders represents more than just a football team; it symbolizes the district’s resilience, cultural significance, and its ability to thrive.
Now, the focus shifts to the Senate, where the bill’s fate lies in the hands of the upper chamber. Del. Norton, who has been a staunch advocate for the bill, is optimistic about its chances in the Senate. She believes that the bipartisan support it received in the House will carry over and ensure its success.
In conclusion, the passage of the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act is a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to bring back the Washington Commanders and revitalize RFK Stadium land. This bipartisan bill represents an opportunity for economic growth, community pride, and the honoring of a historical figure. All eyes are now on the Senate, where the future of this exciting project will be decided.
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