Norton Statement on the Nationals Win

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released the following statement today on the Washington Nationals victory:

"I choose to believe that it is no coincidence that the Washington Nationals have won the National League pennant just as our D.C. statehood bill is soon to go to the floor of the House of Representatives. Many have wondered if the Nats would ever win a pennant, just as many have wondered if the House would ever pass a statehood bill. Well, the stars have aligned.

"Gone should be the controversy about the District's financing of the Nationals Baseball Stadium. Most of the fans come from Maryland and Virginia, yielding $300 million a year in new tax revenue that D.C. would otherwise not have.

"Happily, the Nats victory comes at a time when efforts are well underway to revive enthusiasm about baseball among youngsters in Washington. Almost 10 years ago, I got federal land transferred to the District for the new Fort Dupont Baseball Academy.

"I expect the Nats win will spark even more interest in baseball by the city's youth. And there's more to come. Just wait until the Nats win the World Series!"

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