This past March, Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick and Mikie Sherrill introduced H.R. 1831, to award Billie Jean King the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian awards in the United States. Bestowed by the U.S. Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal recognizes national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals or institutions that have a lasting effect in the recipient’s field long after the achievement itself. In an exciting and important next step, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand, Shelley Moore Capito, and Kyrsten Sinema have introduced S.2861, bipartisan companion legislation, in the Senate to award Billie Jean King the Congressional Gold Medal.
To date, an individual woman athlete has never received the award, and we can’t think of anyone more deserving at this moment in time than tennis legend, gender equity and civil rights icon, and Women’s Sports Foundation Founder, Billie Jean King.
There has never been more momentum to #GiveBJKtheGold and we need your help!
Email or tweet your members of Congress today to urge them to co-sponsor this legislation. Use the form below to contact your members of Congress today!