Virginia House approves bill for Capitals, Wizards relocation, Senate opposition ahead

WASHINGTON (7News) — Virginia's House of Delegates passed a bill that would allow for a future move of the NHL's Washington Capitals and NBA Wizards to Potomac Yard.

It will now cross over to the senate where Senator Louise Lucas said as far as she's concerned, it's dead.

ALSO READ |Virginia's top Democrats derail plans to relocate Washington Wizards and Capitals

It's another big step for this project and now heads to the senate but there is some doubt it will go any further.

Monday, Senator Lucas said the Finance Committee will not take up legislation this year.

“I will not allow a billionaire to build his company wealth on the taxpayer dime," said Lucas. “I am not going to allow the governor to ruin the Commonwealth's stellar bar rating on my watch."

Despite that, Monumental Sports & Entertainment representative Monica Dixon told reporters – their only plan is Virginia, and they hold confidence.

“We are so encouraged by the bipartisan support for this monumental opportunity to create jobs and generate revenue that will benefit the city, the region, and the entire Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Monica Dixon of Monumental Sports and Entertainment. “This is a big step forward in the process, but we know it is not the last step. We believe this is the right project for Alexandria, for Virginia, and for our fans, players, coaches, and employees. We look forward to working with the leadership, members, and staff of the Virginia Senate to answer their questions and earn their support for this transformative economic opportunity.”

“That legislation will go to the senate and we are eager to engage with the senate finance committee,” said Dixon. “I don’t think we are going to fail in the senate and I think this project will continue because it is the right thing for the city and for sports fans."

The general assembly adjourns in March.

“I'm encouraged by the continued bipartisan support for the one-of-a-kind economic development opportunity in Virginia that represents 30,000 jobs and $12 billion in new economic activity for the Commonwealth. Following the MEI Commission’s unanimous approval in December, the bipartisan vote in committee and today's bipartisan support on the House floor, the more decision-makers learn about this project the more they realize that the positive impact reaches all corners of the Commonwealth,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “From toll relief in Hampton Roads to WMATA investments in Northern Virginia, from education investments in rural and urban school divisions to critical transportation arteries like I-81, Virginians know the revenues from this project will be felt in their communities. I’ve appreciated the deep engagement with legislators and their staff this week and we will continue to inform these discussions as the process moves forward.”