D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. IVEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 4984, the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act.

Like other members of the Maryland delegation, I believe Prince George's County and Maryland should be able to compete on a level playing field to keep the Washington Commanders, but this bill would give an unfair advantage to D.C. It is most certainly not a level playing field when one interested jurisdiction receives a free transfer of Federal Government-subsidized land.

I am not opposed to D.C. bidding to be the new home of the Washington Commanders, but its pursuit of the Commanders should be no different than its efforts to compete with Virginia for the Wizards and Capitals.

This is also a bad deal for Federal taxpayers. This bill transfers control over Federal Government property at no apparent cost to the District of Columbia so that private ownership can build a football stadium. This is not a District of Columbia home rule issue. This is no different than any other city or State competing for a sports franchise or stadium, no different than the State of New Jersey competing with the State of New York for the Jets or the Giants.

I also do not object to the redevelopment or renovation of the current RFK campus. I think it would be outstanding to have new housing, retail use, and park space there. As a matter of fact, I live near the stadium and drive by it every day, but I do not believe a cost-free land transfer largely for stadium purposes provides the best opportunity to achieve these goals.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to oppose this bill.

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