Former world No. 1 tennis star Billie Jean King met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Wednesday to discuss legislation that would award her the Congressional Gold Medal.
Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) introduced the bipartisan legislation in March.
Fitzpatrick’s office touted King as having played an “instrumental” role in the passage of Title IX while continuing to use her platform “to advocate for equality for female athletes.”
“Billie Jean King is a legendary icon who continues to redefine what it means to be a true game-changer,” Fitzpatrick told the Washington Examiner. “An unwavering and indomitable champion for equality, Billie Jean’s tireless advocacy efforts have paved the way for countless women in sports and society and inspired generations to follow in her footsteps and strive for justice and fairness for all.”
“It was an extraordinary honor to join Rep. Sherrill in hosting today’s discussion with Billie Jean, which underscored her enduring legacy as a champion on and off the court and highlighted her continued leadership in the pursuit of equality,” the Pennsylvania Republican added.
King was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009, making her the first female athlete to receive such an honor.
“Our bipartisan initiative to award her the Billie Jean Congressional Gold Medal will make her the first female athlete to receive this distinguished honor and cement her legacy as a trailblazer who continues to shatter barriers,” Fitzpatrick added.
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Other athletes who have previously received the Congressional Gold Medal include Jackie Robinson, Jesse Owens, Roberto Clemente, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Byron Nelson, Willie O’Ree, Greg LeMond, Larry Dobby, Joe Louis, and the 1980 U.S. Summer Olympics team.
The Senate recently passed a similar bill seeking to award King with the Congressional Gold Medal.
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