President Biden to Award Second-Highest Civilian Honor to Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson on Thursday

Jan 2, 2025, 11:31 AM

President Joe Biden plans to announce on Thursday the awarding of the Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation's second-highest civilian honor, to former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney and Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson. Both lawmakers led the congressional investigation into the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, during which supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol building. The medal, which recognizes Americans who have "performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens," will be bestowed upon 20 recipients in total. Cheney, a fierce critic of Trump, and Thompson are being honored for their contributions to upholding democracy.