WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives voted Wednesday to transfer administrative jurisdiction over the RFK Stadium from the federal government to D.C.
The bill passed with a 345-53 vote. Thirty-four members of the House did not vote.
Maryland's team of congressmen wants the Commanders to stay in Prince George's County at FedEx Field. The entire Maryland delegation voted no, except for Rep. Jamie Raskin who did not vote at all.
The bill sets up a 99-year lease between the federal government and D.C., giving the city the power to develop the site for commercial and residential development, or other public purposes, or operate a sports stadium.
The bill was introduced by Delegate Eleanore Holmes Norton and passed as the first version to be considered on the House floor.
Norton previously introduced legislation to allow the federal government to sell the land, which at 174 acres is the largest unused track of land in the District.
“I’m pleased that the House passed my bipartisan bill with Chairman Comer to allow local D.C. to redevelop the RFK Stadium campus,” Norton said. “During my tenure in Congress, I’ve worked to transfer control of underused federal land in the District to local D.C. so it can be put to productive use. Thank you to Chairman Comer for your partnership on this important issue.”
Following the vote, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser released a statement saying:
"Tonight's vote was a significant step forward in our efforts to unlock the full potential of the RFK Campus - for our residents and visitors, the community, and DC's Comeback. H.R. 4984 received overwhelming bipartisan support and we want to thank House Oversight Chair James Comer, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and all of the co-sponsors for championing this legislation. We look forward to working with the Senate to swiftly advance this legislation."
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