WASHINGTON — Congressional committee leaders voted Tuesday to give D.C. long-term control of the site of RFK stadium. Now, the rest of the Senate has to vote on it before December.
Passage of the so-called RFK bill paves the way for a potential return of the Washington Commanders to the District.
The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources voted 17-2 to advance the legislation. H.R. 4984 would “direct the Secretary of the Interior to transfer administrative jurisdiction over the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus to the District of Columbia so that the District may use the Campus for purposes including residential and commercial development” which could include a new football stadium for the Commanders. This would clear the way for owner Josh Harris to build the team’s new stadium in D.C., if he can strike a deal with D.C. Government.
A spokesperson for the Commanders called Tuesday's vote a significant step forward.
"Today's result is an exciting and significant step forward for the city of Washington D.C. as it looks to gain long-term control of the RFK site. The Commanders have been fortunate to have interest from three incredible jurisdictions as we search for a new home and stadium. The vote today brings us one step closer towards continuing conversations with D.C., along with Maryland and Virginia, as a potential future home for our franchise," the spokesperson said.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also weighed in, calling the vote pivotal.
“Today’s vote marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to unlock the potential of the RFK Campus by transforming this underutilized space into a vibrant hub of affordable housing, world-class recreational facilities, green spaces, and economic opportunity for District residents and visitors alike," the statement reads. "We want to thank Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chair Joe Manchin and Ranking Member John Barrasso for their leadership and commitment to advancing this critical legislation which has garnered overwhelming, bipartisan support. Their dedication underscores the economic, cultural, and community benefits this legislation represents for Washington, DC and the entire region. We look forward to a full vote on the Senate floor so we can get it signed into law before year’s end.”
Montana Sen. Steve Daines, who sits on that committee, signaled opposition to the bill in the past over the franchise's decision to retire the team's old Indian head logo, which was created by ancestors of one of his Montana constituents.
On Tuesday, Daines said he voted for passage of the bill. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Sen. Mike Lee of Utah were the only no votes.
The bill still has to get a full hearing on the Senate floor and be approved before Congress adjourns in December. Maryland Sens. Van Hollen and Cardin both have indicated they would vote against the RFK Bill on the Senate floor over concerns about what would happen to the old stadium site in Prince Georges County if the Commanders were to move back to D.C.
The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the RFK bill earlier this year.
Should the RFK bill fail to get full Senate approval by the end of this congressional session, Harris and his fellow owners must decide whether to try again next session, pushing a new stadium timeline even farther back. Or, move forward with plans for a new stadium in Maryland and Virginia, where land acquisition is not an issue.