Sen. Steve Daines threatens to veto a bill that would lease the RFK Stadium land to D.C. officials unless the Washington Commanders pay tribute to the designer of the team’s previous emblem.

The Republican from Montana intends to make his announcement during the national parks subcommittee hearing on Wednesday. The final item on the meeting’s agenda is legislation that would lease the RFK site to the District.

The former logo for the Washington Commanders was created by Blackie Wetzel, a Blackfeet Nation member from Montana, and included a stylized image of an American Indian.

In his prepared remarks, Mr. Daines states, “My goal is for the Washington Commanders to honor the pride, history, and heritage of the Blackfeet Tribe.” Without a doubt, Wetzel designed and was inspired by this logo as an homage to Native Americans. This isn’t a parody. It’s a picture of strength and pride. of bravery and dignity. After renaming themselves the Washington Football Team in 2020 instead of the Washington Redskins, the Commanders gave up on the logo. American Indian imagery is no longer included in the organization’s official goods. Mr. Daines makes it clear that he opposes the franchise adopting its previous moniker. Rather, he requests that the group reinstate the previous emblem on certain merchandise

Profits, the senator observes, might increase public awareness of tribal issues.

The team can serve as a lighthouse for these communities, but Mr. Daines added, “I cannot support this legislation until I see meaningful actions that satisfy the Wetzel family and other tribal stakeholders.”

The Washington Commanders said in a statement that they spoke with Wetzel’s family on Monday. A representative for the team stated in a statement,

“[We] are working collaboratively to recognize Blackie Wetzel for his contributions in creating our former logo.”