Bipartisan bill honoring tennis legend and advocate awaits President Joe Biden's signature
Billie Jean King She is set to become the first female athlete ever to receive the Congressional Gold Medal after the House of Representatives passed a bill honoring the tennis legend and supporter.
Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Mickey Sherrill (D-N.J.) said Tuesday that their bipartisan legislation to grant King had passed the House after previously passing the Senate. The bill now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature. Associated Press Reports.
“Billie Jean King’s life of advocacy and hard work changed the landscape for women and girls on the court, in the classroom, and in the workplace,” Rep. Cheryl said in a statement Tuesday. “That’s why it was an absolute honor to help lead a bipartisan effort to add another ‘first’ to Billie Jean’s resume of groundbreaking achievements.”
“With this legislation, we are furthering Billie Jean’s legacy as a champion of tennis and equality, and her influence will continue to inspire and empower generations to come,” Fitzpatrick added.
“An honor and a privilege. Thank you,” King wrote on social media after the bill passed the House.
King, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009, will become the first athlete to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor; other athletes who have received the award include baseball players Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente and golfers Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.
The bill was introduced to honor King with the Congressional Gold Medal in September 2023 on the 50th anniversary of the famous “Battle of the Sexes” match between King and tennis player Bobby Riggs, which King won in 1973.
