The Commanders’ path to a return at RFK cleared a huge hurdle Tuesday: the bill that would transfer administration of the site back to DC has passed through the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee by a 17-2 vote.
“Today’s result is an exciting and significant step forward for the city of Washington, D.C., as it looks to gain long-term control of the RFK site,” a Commanders spokesperson said in a statement to A.J. Perez and Front Office Sports. “The Commanders have been fortunate to have interest from three incredible jurisdictions as we search for a new home and stadium. The vote today brings us one step closer towards continuing conversations with D.C., along with Maryland and Virginia, as a potential future home for our franchise.”
The bill, which passed the House in February, will now go to the Senate at large for a further discussion and a vote before Congress adjourns on Jan. 3.
"Today’s vote marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to unlock the potential of the RFK Campus by transforming this underutilized space into a vibrant hub of affordable housing, world-class recreational facilities, green spaces, and economic opportunity for District residents and visitors alike,” DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a statement following the vote. “We want to thank Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chair Joe Manchin and Ranking Member John Barrasso for their leadership and commitment to advancing this critical legislation which has garnered overwhelming, bipartisan support. Their dedication underscores the economic, cultural, and community benefits this legislation represents for Washington, DC and the entire region. We look forward to a full vote on the Senate floor so we can get it signed into law before year’s end.”
Surprisingly, Sen. Steve Daines, who has long stumped about holding up this legislation pending the Commanders’ re-adopting the old Redskins logo, was NOT one of the two no votes.
“I will vote in favor of this passage out of this committee with a condition: that the team follows through on the commitments made to the family,” Daines said during the session. “I urged the team to continue their dialogue and reach a conclusion that honors their past.”
The no votes came from Bernie Sanders and Republican Sen.
Mike Lee from Utah, who said about his vote that “I can think of no single more valuable piece of real estate that the (Department of the) Interior holds.”