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

Floor Speech

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Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, while Chairman Comer and I often have plenty to disagree on, today I join him and Delegate Norton to rise in support of H.R. 4984, the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act.

This bipartisan bill will allow the District of Columbia to reenergize Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium campus and redevelop the 174 acres of underutilized federal land into a new stadium, additional housing units, and green spaces.

As a result, these developments will spur economic growth, improve the surrounding infrastructure, and substantially transform the neighborhood.

H.R. 4984 represents the fight to protect and expand Home Rule.

As a former local government official having served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for 14 years, including five as chairman and as a former chairman of the Council of Governments I have consistently supported autonomy for the District.

Congress must do the same to uphold the will of thousands of constituents and civil servants who live and work in the District.

Let me remind my colleagues of what my fellow Virginian, James Madison, said in the Federalist Papers, Number 43, with respect to the intent of the Congressional authority.

In referring to the residents of this federal District, Madison said ``they will have had their voice in the election of the government which is to exercise authority over them; as a municipal legislature for local purposes.''

There is no more basic exercise of municipal authority than planning critical investments for the community.

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