Finally, there is some positive news regarding the Washington Commanders concerning the United States House Committee on Oversight and Reform.
On Wednesday, the Committee approved a bill that would extend the lease of RFK Stadium with the federal government to 99 years. The federal government owns the RFK site, and the current lease ends in 2036.
The Committee, with bipartisan support, voted 31-9 to move the bill forward, where the next step will be a future vote on the House floor later this year. So, while this is a big step forward, there remains a long way to go.
Washington D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser was present and has been a major proponent of bringing the Commanders back to the District, where the team played its home games until FedEx Field opened in 1997. Since Daniel Snyder sold the team, Bowser has been outspoken about creating a mixed-use development in Washington that would create jobs and housing with the Commanders stadium as an anchor.
Bowser faces opposition, who believe taxpayer dollars should not be used to build a professional sports stadium.
Bowser released a statement after the hearing.
As Oversight Committee is about to reconvene for a vote on the RFK site bill and Perry’s amendment to bar public funding, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser just released this statement.
“Whether or not an NFL stadium is going to the RFK campus – which has yet to be determined – is not… pic.twitter.com/OPA5mJd15c
— A.J. Perez (@byajperez) September 20, 2023
Not only does Washington want the Commanders, but so do Virginia and Maryland — where FedEx Field is located. Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin each attended training camp this summer in Ashburn, discussing why the Commanders should build their new stadium in their respective states.