RFK Stadium revitalization takes a step forward after clearing Senate panel
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D.C.'s hopes for revitalizing the RFK Stadium site took a key step forward after a Republican senator dropped his months-long opposition to a redevelopment bill, allowing it to pass out of a crucial committee.
Why it matters: If approved by the full Senate before year-end, the city and the Washington Commanders can begin seriously planning a giant sports and entertainment district with a potential football stadium on the 190-acre land.
What they're saying: Mayor Muriel Bowser in a statement Tuesday said the vision is to turn the "underutilized space into a vibrant hub of affordable housing, world-class recreational facilities, green spaces, and economic opportunity for District residents and visitors alike."
State of play: Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana) has been holding up the bill since May. He wanted the franchise to honor its former logo, which was designed in the 1970s by the late Walter "Blackie" Wetzel, a member of the Blackfeet Nation in his home state.
- The team hosted members of Wetzel's family to unveil a plaque in September honoring him, though Daines didn't appear moved until Tuesday morning.
- After checking in with Ryan Wetzel, the grandson of the logo artist, Daines told the committee the family "is satisfied with the ongoing negotiations with the team," and then voted in favor of the bill.
Daines didn't elaborate what assurances he had received about the future of the emblem, which the franchise dropped along with its old name in 2020.
- Wetzel didn't return a text message seeking comment, though he previously told Axios he wanted the logo to adorn throwback jerseys or be used in another way.
What's next: The Commanders and NFL are lobbying Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who has hinted he's open to trying to move the bill this year, two sources close to the process told Axios in early November.
- The best bet is getting the bill attached to a must-pass package like the National Defense Authorization Act.
Meanwhile, Maryland is mobilizing to oppose the bill — their leaders don't want the Commanders to leave Northwest Stadium in Landover.
- Gov. Wes Moore told the Washington Post that the RFK bill is "not in the best interest of the American taxpayer."
- Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Maryland) told the paper that "Congress should not weigh in as to creating a favorite" location for the Commanders to move.
- And Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) added their priority is to "prevent actions that unfairly tilt the scales in favor of one location over another at the expense of federal taxpayers."