Scoop: Schumer open to including RFK Stadium bill in spending package
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Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is telling colleagues that negotiations to allow the Washington Commanders to return to the RFK Stadium site are making progress — and a deal could be included in the short-term spending bill, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: Schumer still wants Maryland, the NFL and the Commanders to reach an agreement that satisfies all parties. It's not clear that they have done so.
- But Schumer's indication he might attach the House-passed legislation to the spending bill opens up a massive hole for the Commanders — and fans of returning football to the nation's capital — to run through this year. The team currently plays about five miles from D.C., at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland.
Driving the news: The Commanders want the option of building a new stadium at RFK and have worked to reach an agreement.
- Schumer has been speaking directly with N.F.L. Commissioner Roger Goodell, Commanders owner Josh Harris and the Maryland senators for status reports on the negotiations, according to people familiar with the matter.
- If a deal is reached, Schumer would support including it in the short-term spending bill, according to people familiar with the matter.
Zoom out: If Congress passes legislation for a redevelopment bill this year, the city and the Washington Commanders can consider a massive new sports and entertainment district, with a potential football stadium on the 190-acre site.
- The city of D.C. is broadly supportive. Mayor Muriel Bowser said last month a redevelopment would bring "affordable housing, world-class recreational facilities, green spaces and economic opportunity for District residents and visitors alike."
The bottom line: Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) had been holding up the House legislation since May, but he's indicated he's no longer opposed, according to people familiar with the matter.
- Maryland's political leaders have brought their own demands to the negotiations, according to the Washington Post.
