Maryland lawmakers rally in opposition to RFK site bill following Senate committee advancement

While a Senate committee passed the RFK Stadium bill that could lure the Commanders back to D.C., some Maryland opponents “launched their most pointed attacks of the deal yet,” according to Cox, Fortier & Flynn of the WASHINGTON POST. The Senate "now stands in the middle of the Commanders’ stadium search," as passing Congress is “both a precursor for D.C. to offer the team a deal at the site and a blow to Maryland’s mission to keep the team within its borders.” Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said that the proposal is “not in the best interest of the American taxpayer.” Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) said that "'Congress should not weigh in as to creating a favorite' spot for the next Commanders stadium." Cardin suggested that it was “premature for Congress to take any action until the Commanders decide where the team wants the next stadium.” However, Cox, Fortier & Flynn note the Commanders could "not consider D.C. a viable option without legislation allowing the land to be redeveloped." Maryland approved investing more than $400M into the "area surrounding the existing and outdated stadium in Landover," where the team is obligated to play through 2027. The Moore administration has been "working since he took office on a proposal to build the next stadium there as well.” Sources said that Maryland officials have “tried to negotiate for promises of some sort of consolation prize from the team if it does relocate to D.C." (WASHINGTON POST, 11/19).