Finkenauer Statement on Passage of Legislation to Support Minor League Baseball

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) released the following statement on the passage of H.R. 6020 - legislation that she co-sponsored, which reinforces the role that Minor League Baseball teams play in economic and social growth across the country.

"I'm proud to stand with my colleagues in supporting the towns and families that benefit from having Minor League Baseball in their neighborhoods," Finkenauer said. "We have a strong passion for baseball in Iowa and the minor league teams in our state offer folks a connection to America's pastime. Today's passage sent the message that we plan to protect those three teams in Iowa and the 42 teams across the country."

In November, Major League Baseball proposed a plan to strip MLB club affiliation from 42 Minor League Baseball teams, including three in Iowa: Clinton LumberKings, Burlington Bees and the Quad City River Bandits. 

The bill, which passed the Oversight and Reform Committee last week, will commission a Government Accountability Office report to evaluate the social, economic and historic contributions that Minor League Baseball has made to American life and culture.