A bill that would allow D.C. to redevelop the RFK Stadium site advanced from a key House committee Wednesday — but not without significant debate over whether the District should be allowed to use public funds for a potential new stadium there for the Washington Commanders.
The RFK legislation is key to a major priority of D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser’s third term: redeveloping the deteriorating eyesore into an attractive mixed-use development — anchored by a Commanders stadium if Bowser (D) can lure the team. Because the federal government owns the land, D.C. can’t move redevelopment plans forward under the existing lease, making passage of this legislation the first step.
The House Oversight Committee advanced the bill with broad bipartisan support, by a vote of 31-9, queuing it up for potential consideration in the full House this fall. An amendment by Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) to block D.C. from using public funds to finance a stadium ultimately failed 24-13, although it notably included support from Democrats Jamie B. Raskin and Kweisi Mfume of Maryland. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) is lobbying to keep the Commanders, who currently play at FedEx Field in Prince George’s County.
