official announcements from the U.S. Congress

Billie Jean King Becomes First Female Athlete Awarded Congressional Gold Medal

Sep 27, 2024, 05:26 PM

U.S. tennis legend Billie Jean King has been awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. The legislation, known as the Billie Jean King Congressional Gold Medal Act, was signed into law by President Biden. The Senate had passed the bill in May by unanimous consent, and the House approved it last week with a vote of 308-87. King becomes the first female athlete to receive this prestigious honor, recognizing her contributions to tennis and her trailblazing role in advocating for gender equality in sports. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, who sponsored the bill, celebrated its passage. King, a Hall of Famer, continues to be a trailblazer for many.