Rep. James Comer of Kentucky is working on introducing legislation that would allow Washington, D.C. to be considered as a potential location for the Washington Commanders football team. The biggest obstacle to the team returning to the city is Congress’ legislative authority over D.C., particularly regarding the site of RFK Stadium. The current lease between the National Park Service and D.C. restricts the use of the site to sports and recreation, complicating the team’s return since RFK Stadium is still being demolished.
Comer, the chair of the House Oversight Committee, has been in discussions with D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser about the potential legislation. Bowser has been vocal about wanting the Commanders to return to the District. However, the team’s ownership is set to change, with Josh Harris purchasing the Commanders for a record $6.05 billion and awaiting approval from NFL owners on July 20.
Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, who represents D.C. in the House and is a member of the Oversight Committee, previously introduced legislation to give D.C. control over the RFK site. However, the legislation did not progress to a vote. Norton believes decisions about the use of the land should be made by local officials elected by D.C. residents.
While Bowser supports a new stadium at the RFK site, DC Council Chair Phil Mendelson does not. He added an amendment to the city’s budget to prevent the use of public funding for a Commanders stadium. Virginia lawmakers, on the other hand, are also interested in attracting the team and Governor Glenn Youngkin plans to introduce legislation to study a stadium authority. However, no special session has been scheduled to debate and vote on the bill. In the past, legislation that would have provided about $300 million in public funding for a Commanders stadium in Virginia was shelved due to ongoing investigations into team owner Dan Snyder.
