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Sen. Steve DainesR-Mont., explained Wednesday why he decided to support a bill that would allow the Washington Commanders to use RFK Stadium as the site for a new building.

Daines said this in an appearance on Fox News Channel “America Reports” he decided to support the measure after “good faith negotiations” that the Commanders and the NFL would honor the main Blackfeet logo that the organization used for decades before switching names.

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Senator Steve Daines testifies during the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing on October 21, 2020. (Tom Williams/Getty Images)

“We called out leaders when things really went wrong. The irony is that they canceled Native American culture because the DEI movement went way too far,” Daines said. “This is in honor of a Blackfeet chief who was born in Montana. He is much appreciated. The Blackfeet Tribe of Montana, their current chairman and tribal council have signed a letter strongly supporting the return of the logo. It’s a tribute to Indian Country.

‘We have good conversations with the NFL and with the commanders. There is good confidence in future negotiations that will allow this logo to be used again. Maybe the revenue goes to a foundation that can help Indians in sports and so on. “I am making good progress and based on good faith negotiations, I decided yesterday in committee to support this bill.”

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The old Washington Redskins logo on a helmet during a game on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA Today Sports)

Blackie Wetzel was credited with creating the portrait of John Two Guns White Calf in 1971, which the Washington Redskins used in 1972. Fox News Digital previously reported this. The descendants of Two Guns White Calf also called for the statue to be returned to the NFL.

The Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted 17-2 on Tuesday in favor of sending the full bill to the Senate. Bozeman Daily Chronicle.

Blackie’s son, Don, and his grandson, Ryan, both supported the use of the logo, the newspaper said Daily Montanan.

“(Don Wetzel) had a vision to use the proud symbol for the benefit of his people,” Daines told committee members Tuesday, via The Daily Montanan. “This morning I spoke with his son, Ryan Wetzel, about the ongoing negotiations and the progress that has been made.…

Blackfoot chief John Two Guns White Calf served as the inspiration for the Washington Redskins logo, which represented the NFL franchise from 1972 to 2020. (Getty Images)

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“I am proud, after speaking to my constituents, that they are satisfied with the ongoing negotiations with the team and optimistic about the direction they are heading. That is why I will support the bill and vote in favor of its repeal.” of the committee, provided that the team honors the commitments made to the family.”

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