No, the $3B for an NFL Stadium Wasn’t in the Original Congressional Stopgap Bill

Recent legislative actions have triggered heated discussions regarding potential funding for a new NFL stadium in Washington, D.C. On December 17, Congress introduced a stopgap spending bill aimed at funding government operations through March 14, 2024. Controversially, claims arose alleging that the bill included significant financial provisions for stadium construction.

Prominent figures, including Elon Musk, have taken to social media, asserting that the bill contained a provision for a $3 billion allocation to build a new stadium for the Washington Commanders. This misinformation gained traction when a post claiming “OMNI-BUSTED: $3-BILLION FOR [A] NEW NFL STADIUM IN D.C.” caught the attention of millions online. Musk amplified the claim, urging taxpayers to oppose such funding.

However, investigations into the specifics of the spending bill reveal a different narrative. The December 17 bill facilitates the transfer of administrative control of the RFK Stadium site from the federal government to the District of Columbia. While this action could potentially open pathways for a new stadium, it explicitly prohibits the use of federal funds for construction.

The RFK Stadium site, spanning 177 acres, remains federally owned, evidenced by laws permitting property transfer between federal and D.C. authorities while retaining federal ownership. The newly proposed draft merely allows D.C. to manage the area, placing maintenance costs solely on the District without federal funding assistance.

Mayor Muriel Bowser spoke on the misinformation during a recent briefing, clarifying that “there are no federal dollars related to the transfer of RFK, and in fact, the legislation does not require or link at all to a stadium.” Her comments aimed to refute the narrative surrounding the potential use of federal money for stadium-related expenses.

The situation illustrates the complexities of legislative measures intertwined with public perception. As Congress navigates budgetary constraints and potential government shutdowns, providing clarity on such matters has never been more crucial.