In a surprise, exciting and relieving turn of events for District leaders, the U.S. Senate approved legislation in the wee hours of Dec. 16 that transfers the jurisdiction of the RFK Stadium site in Northeast from the federal government to the District.“D.C. has scored a victory in its fight for self-determination just in time for the holidays,” D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) said. “When the bill is signed into law by President Biden, D.C. will get to decide for itself what to do with the largest unused tract of land remaining in the District. I look forward to seeing the site transformed from crumbling blight to a productive and bustling complex that will generate significant revenue for the nation’s capital.”The Senate approved the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act by unanimous consent. The measure was introduced on the Senate floor by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) as a stand-alone item, not as part of the continuing resolution aimed at keeping the government open.
The RFK Stadium bill was able to reach the floor of the Senate thanks to House passage in late February 2024 and approval of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources chaired by West Virginia U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin (D) in the fall.
**FILE** D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (right), Council member Brooke Pinto (center) and other District leaders and residents at the “Farewell RFK Stadium” event in December 2022, hosted by Events DC. (WI photo)“I am proud to see this bipartisan agreement to revitalize the RFK Stadium area cross the finish line. With this legislation, we are giving the District of Columbia the opportunity to bring the Washington Commanders back home. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of this deal and catching a game at the new stadium,” said Manchin in a statement after the bill’s passage. “I want to thank Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Mayor Muriel Bowser, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, and Congressman James Comer for their work to make sure this is a touchdown for everyone.”Commanders, Local Leaders Celebrate District Control The legislation allows the District to control the RFK Stadium site with the strong possibility of the Washington Commanders relocating there from Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. Harris, the Commanders managing partner, praised federal leaders for their work in passing the bill. “We are extremely grateful that our elected officials have come together on a bipartisan basis to give Washington, D.C., the opportunity to decide the future on the RFK stadium site,” Harris explained. “This bill will create an equal playing field so that all potential future locations for the home of the Washington Commanders can be fairly considered and give our franchise the opportunity to provide the best experience for all our fans.”
District Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (I-At Large), who chairs the D.C. Council Committee on Economic Development, said: “we are one step closer to bringing the Washington Commanders where they belong.” Plus, a stadium is not the only thing in store for RFK. Due to the transfer, the site can be used for new retail outlets and residential facilities.“With the District regaining control of the historic RFK site, we have an opportunity to reimagine its future and create something extraordinary for our city,” McDuffie explained. “This site has the potential to become a world-class destination that includes a state-of-the-art stadium, housing, vibrant retail spaces, a multi-sport athletic facility to cultivate and showcase local talent, and more.” D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) praised the Senate for its action.This is a win for D.C., for our region, and for America,” Bowser wrote on X on Dec. 21. “Everybody loves a good comeback story – and that’s D.C.’s story.”
D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson (D) also expressed gratitude for the bill’s passage, saying: “We are grateful the legislation passed and that this large tract will not continue to deteriorate with a crumbling stadium on it.” The D.C. Chamber of Commerce also celebrated the move.“We thank Mayor Muriel Bowser for her steady leadership and for quarterbacking this comeback win for D.C.—in concert with [Delegate] Eleanor Holmes Norton and Chairman Phil Mendelson,” the chamber said in a statement.The statement also encouraged Biden to sign the legislation: “D.C.’s businesses stand ready to be part of the opportunity and jobs at our RFK and the possibility of the Commanders coming back to their spiritual home.”Norton said the transfer of RFK Stadium site, which is 174 acres, will last up to 99 years when Biden signs the bill.
She thanked Kentucky Republican Rep. Comer, chair of the House Oversight Committee, for his support and efforts to push the bill forward in their chamber. The RFK Stadium bill requires D.C. to reserve 30% of the campus for parks and open space and prohibits D.C. from building along the waterfront. Norton noted that the RFK Stadium site is the largest tract of unused land in the District and said it serves as an example of her efforts to stimulate economic growth in the city.“Throughout my career in Congress, I’ve prioritized transferring unused federal land to D.C. or the private sector, enabling the redevelopment of neighborhoods, generating tax revenue and bringing much-needed space to the District,” she said.As head of the Council Committee on Economic Development, McDuffie is looking forward to the possibilities for RFK, not just for the District, but for the nation and world.
“RFK should not only be a source of pride for District residents but also an economic and cultural hub that attracts visitors from across the nation and around the globe,” McDuffie said. “I envision this site hosting premier international events like the FIFA World Cup, as well as unforgettable performances by superstars like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift.”
Source: Washington Informer
