6/22/99

Senators Question The Need For Senate Bill S. 952

Senator Strom Thurmond (R-SC): "I share the concern of Mr. (Jerry) Richardson and others who are testifying here today. Stadiums are expensive to build. However, the question is whether the federal government should involve itself with the construction of stadiums. I have serious reservations that the federal government should be involved. The key is that these stadium issues are primarily local questions. I am also concerned that teams in smaller markets, such as the Carolina Panthers, could be harmed by this legislation since teams are asked to put 10% of their network television money into a stadium fund. Teams in smaller markets depend more heavily on this network television income than large market teams."

Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA): "Each community has to settle for itself the degree it wants to fund stadium issues. The people themselves – not the federal government – should have the right and ability to vote on stadium bond issues."

Senator Russell Feingold (D-WI): "I am concerned about how this bill affects small markets like Green Bay. The NFL was wise to enter into revenue sharing to help keep the Packers and other small community teams competitive. We need a different approach to stadium building than S. 952."

Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA): "I’ve been impressed by the action of the League which is willing to support the construction of a new stadium for the Patriots. It represents a financing balance between the league and the Patriots owner and it is very encouraging. I think that type of financing should be supported. I am impressed by what has happened with the NFL in the past regarding the financing of stadium construction and I think the leadership of the league should be congratulated.

Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT): "I am concerned whether we should be legislating in this area of stadium construction."