R A P I D LY A C H I E V E YO U R G OA L S

Legislation Introduced to Award Congressional Gold Medal to Billie Jean King

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Democratic co-lead Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) recently introduced legislation to recognize Billie Jean King with the Congressional Gold Medal.

The bill, H.R. 1831, was put forward, “To award a Congressional Gold Medal to Billie Jean King, an American icon, in recognition of a remarkable life devoted to championing equal rights for all, in sports and in society.”

To date, 11 individual athletes (as well as the 1980 U.S. Olympic team) have been awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, but all have been men. Billie Jean King would become the first female athlete to receive this distinction.

“I am honored to be considered for the Congressional Gold Medal and I want to thank Rep. Fitzpatrick, Rep. Sherrill, and the USTA for their leadership and support of the effort as we join together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of equal prize money at the US Open,” said King.

“Billie Jean King is an incredible athlete and unmatched trailblazer for women and girls in sports,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “As we continue to celebrate International Women’s Month, I am honored to introduce this legislation honoring her important accomplishments, and I thank Congresswoman Sherill for joining me in recognizing Billie Jean’s tireless advocacy for female athletes.”

“This is a woman who has truly impacted the lives of so many,” said Congresswoman Sherrill. “We are still not where we need to be, or want to be, but we would not be anywhere near where we are today without Billie Jean King.”