NW Kentucky News

House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) delivered remarks on the House floor in support of H.R. 4984, the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act. Comer introduced the bipartisan legislation with the aim to repurpose approximately 174 acres of unused federal land in Washington, D.C., specifically the RFK stadium site. Comer highlighted the importance of revitalizing the vacant area, emphasizing the potential for job creation, increased city revenue, and a transformation of the Anacostia River waterfront.

In his address, Chairman Comer stated, "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of H.R. 4984, which repurposes approximately 174 acres of unused federal land in D.C." He emphasized the current state of the RFK stadium site, noting its abandonment and underutilization as parking lots, open fields, and a deteriorating stadium. Comer stressed the significance of the legislation in allowing D.C. to use the land for various purposes, including commercial and residential development, recreational facilities, and public spaces.

Comer highlighted the necessity of Congressional action to address the unused land in the nation's capital, stating, "Absent Congressional action, this land in our Nation’s Capital will remain unused with ongoing maintenance costs and environmental liabilities remaining the full responsibility of the National Park Service—an ongoing burden for the American taxpayer." He outlined how H.R. 4984 would transfer administrative jurisdiction to D.C. while maintaining federal ownership, enabling the city to revitalize the site and generate economic opportunities.

The Chairman underscored the importance of the bill in facilitating economic development and job creation in Washington, D.C., saying, "This economic development will help revitalize the RFK stadium site— creating new jobs and tax revenue for the District’s residents." Comer also highlighted the broader role of Congress in overseeing the District, mentioning previous legislative actions taken by the Oversight Committee to address various issues affecting the city.

Comer expressed gratitude towards his colleagues and emphasized the bipartisan nature of the legislation, stating, "I thank my Committee colleague Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton for working with me to write this smart, bipartisan legislation." He urged his fellow lawmakers to support the bill, emphasizing its potential to revitalize the nation's capital. Comer concluded his remarks by yielding back the balance of his time, signaling his support for the revitalization of the RFK stadium site in Washington, D.C.