Commanders owner anticipates stadium bill delay until after election

Josh Harris, owner of the Washington Commanders, expressed that he does not foresee any progress on the stadium bill until after the upcoming elections. The bill, which aims to redevelop the land around RFK Stadium, has been stalled in the Senate due to a request from Senator Steve Daines to honor the team's former logo, which features a Native American design. Discussions are ongoing with the Wetzel family regarding this logo. Harris indicated that the focus on the election has delayed legislative action, suggesting that any movement would likely occur during the lame-duck session following the elections. The Senate is set to reconvene on September 9 and will be in session until September 27, before taking a recess until November 12. The final adjournment for this Congress is scheduled for December 20. If the bill does not pass before this deadline, it will need to be reintroduced in the next Congress, requiring approval from the House again. Harris hopes to see the bill passed before a new Congress and presidential administration takes office, as the future of the bill could be uncertain under new leadership. He mentioned that a realistic target for a new stadium could be 2030, with potential locations including Maryland, Washington, or Virginia. Securing a new stadium for the Commanders would be significant for Washington, as it would mean that all four major sports teams would be based within the District of Columbia, enhancing the city's sports landscape and economic prospects.