Efforts to transfer control of the land where the former RFK Stadium sits to Washington, D.C., could soon come to fruition through an unconventional legislative strategy. According to a report from Punchbowl News, the legislation may be included in a continuing resolution to fund the federal government, which lawmakers must pass by December 20 to avoid a government shutdown.
D.C. has been vying for control of the site to strengthen its bid to bring the Washington Commanders’ new stadium to the city. Without control of the RFK Stadium land, D.C.’s chances of securing the stadium over Maryland and Virginia would diminish significantly. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) expressed optimism about the proposal, reportedly stating, “It seems like a good idea to me.”
The proposed D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act would require the General Services Administration to lease the land to the D.C. local government, enabling the redevelopment of the area into a new football stadium, commercial and residential spaces, or recreational facilities. The legislation passed the House with bipartisan support in February and recently cleared a Senate committee after months of stalling.
Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) had delayed the bill over concerns about honoring the legacy of Walter “Blackie” Weitzel, whose likeness inspired the Washington Redskins’ former logo. After securing negotiations with the team to honor Weitzel, Daines voted in favor of advancing the legislation.
The bill still needs full Senate approval before the current congressional session ends. If it does not pass, the legislation would need to be reintroduced in the next Congress, restarting the entire process. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Commanders owner Josh Harris were reportedly on Capitol Hill earlier this week, signaling the importance of the measure.
While lawmakers from Virginia and Maryland have opposed the bill, vying to bring the stadium to their respective states, a report from the Washington Post suggested Maryland senators may ease their opposition if they can secure one of D.C.’s National Guard squadrons for their state.
The inclusion of the RFK land transfer in the must-pass funding resolution could provide a last-minute path forward for the legislation, potentially securing D.C.’s control of the site and solidifying its position as the leading contender for the new Commanders stadium.
