Problem Solvers Caucus Endorses Awarding a Congressional Gold Medal to Billie Jean King
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus announced its endorsement of H.R.1831 To Award a Congressional Gold Medal to Billie Jean King.
The bill, which was introduced by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), currently has 61 cosponsors. If passed, it would award a Congressional Gold Medal to Billie Jean King “in recognition of a remarkable life devoted to championing equal rights for all, in sports and in society.”
Billie Jean King, an American former tennis player who has previously been ranked first in the world, used her recognition and platform to advocate for the passage of Title IX and equal rights, specifically for female athletes. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 and was the first female athlete to receive said recognition.
“Billie Jean King is an American icon and an American hero. She is an incredible athlete, a trailblazer, and a tremendous role model for young women and girls across America,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). “I am proud to have authored and introduced this legislation, and I am proud to spearhead this bipartisan effort to award this American icon with the Congressional Gold Medal, which Billie Jean has earned and which she deserves. I am thrilled that our Bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus has wholeheartedly endorsed this measure. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Open becoming the first sporting event to offer equal prize money for men and women competitors, and in recognition of the advocacy and work of Billie Jean, I look forward to our legislation receiving a House vote.”
“Billie Jean King has been a trailblazing hero for women, girls, and athletes nationwide — including my daughter and me! Her courage has helped boost equality for female athletes and move our country forward,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). “I’m honored to help introduce this bipartisan legislation to recognize this champion for her lifetime of achievements and her tireless fight for women’s rights — and I’m incredibly proud that the members of the Problem Solvers Caucus have endorsed this legislation.”
“On July 19, 1973, the US Open officially announced that equal prize money for men and women competitors would be awarded at the 1973 US Open. Yesterday, 50 years to the day since that game changing announcement, the Problem Solvers Caucus finalized their vote in support of awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Billie Jean King. This represents an important step in the Congressional Gold Medal process, and we commend the Problem Solvers Caucus for recognizing all that Billie Jean King has done for equality in this country,” said Brian Hainline, USTA President and Chairman.
“Billie Jean King is an American icon and helped make Women’s Tennis what it is today. She’s inspired so many to pursue their highest dreams,” said Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02). “I’m grateful that our Problem Solver colleagues have endorsed this bill. A Congressional Gold Medal is most deserving for Billie Jean.”
“I’m honored to join a bipartisan group of my colleagues in support of this effort to award Billie Jean King with a Congressional Gold Medal. As a true trailblazer and champion, she is very well deserving of this medal,” Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05) said.
“Billie Jean King has been a role model and pioneer for women’s sports for decades. I am proud to be a part of this bipartisan effort in Congress to commemorate her and recognize her remarkable accomplishments,” said Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06).
“Billie Jean King is one of the greatest tennis players of all time. She paved the way for women in sports and fought tirelessly for women’s equal rights,” said Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21). “Billie’s legacy continues to inspire and influence people across the globe. I’m proud to support this resolution to award Billie Jean King the Congressional Gold Medal, recognizing her leadership and contributions to our country.”
“Billie Jean King is an American icon who has gone above and beyond to advance equal rights for women in this country,” said Congressman Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04). “I am proud to co-sponsor legislation to award this heroic American with a Congressional Gold Medal, which is a high honor bestowed on figures who will continue to inspire future generations to fight for what is right.”
“Women are often inspired by the trailblazers who paved the way for others to follow. Billie Jean King is not just one of the all-time great players but an instrumental force in elevating the profile of women in sports and in assuring greater opportunities for women in all areas. In every aspect of her life she was an example of never letting anyone try to make her, or any woman, settle for less. Billie Jean King has earned this recognition and respect and I applaud my colleague Rep. Fitzpatrick for leading this initiative to honor her legacy,” said Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón (PR-AL).
“Billie Jean King has lived a remarkable life blazing trails for women, advocating for equal pay in sports and winning 39 Grand Slam titles,” said Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40). “I am proud to be an original cosponsor of H.R. 1831, and I thank my Problem Solvers Caucus colleagues for joining me in this commonsense effort to award her the Congressional Gold Medal to honor her achievements and lasting impact in sports and society.”
“Billie Jean King’s outstanding contributions to women’s sports have broken barriers and inspired generations, making her a deserving recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal. Throughout her storied career, her dedication to promoting equality for all has had a profound impact on our society, making her a true champion both on and off the court,” said Rep. Nick LaLota (NY-01). “By awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Billie Jean King, we honor her lifelong commitment to empowering women athletes and recognize her as an exemplary role model for future generations.”
“Girls like my daughter Julianna will grow up in a world with more opportunities for women thanks to trailblazers like Billie Jean King who helped pave the way for Title IX. I was proud to be an original co-sponsor of H.R. 1831, which awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Billie Jean King in recognition of a remarkable life devoted to championing equal rights for all in sports and in society. This legislation has garnered over 50 co-sponsors and has broad bipartisan support,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17). “The endorsement of H.R. 1831 by the Problem Solvers Caucus, which has 32 Democrat members and 32 Republican members, of which I am one, is another testament to the widespread support for this legislation by members of both parties. I look forward to seeing this legislation pass and seeing Billie Jean King receive the recognition she is due for her prolific work.”
“True champions are not only defined by their victories on the field, but also by their unwavering dedication to a cause greater than themselves. Billie Jean King's unparalleled legacy as an advocate for equal rights for women is a testament to her courageous and groundbreaking leadership. Supporting the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Billie Jean King is a resounding acknowledgment of her relentless pursuit of equality and a powerful statement that her impact will forever resonate in the tapestry of our nation's history,” said Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01).
“Billie Jean King is not only a legendary tennis player, but she is a trailblazer who serves as an inspiration for so many women and girls in sports today,” Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) said. “I’m proud to join a bipartisan group of colleagues in pushing to have her achievements and contributions to society formally honored by Congress.”
“It is my pleasure to co-sponsor this measure honoring the remarkable Billie Jean King who broke many glass ceilings decades ago, and whose legacy continues to break many more when it comes to equality with women’s sports,” said Congressman Jim Moylan (GU-AL).
“Billie Jean King was a pioneer for women’s rights and equality in sports and throughout society,” said Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01). “From an incredible career in tennis to a lifelong commitment of fighting for gender equality, Billie Jean King and her story continue to be an inspiration for us all, and I’m proud to be working alongside my colleagues to award her with a Congressional Gold Medal.”
“For more than half a century, Billie Jean King has served as an inspiration to women and girls everywhere. Her defeat of Bobby Riggs in 1973 proved to the world that women’s sports deserve recognition,” said Congresswoman María Salazar (FL-27). “I’m proud to support legislation awarding Billie Jean King the Congressional Gold Medal to honor her legacy in fighting to ensure women will always have a seat at the table.”
The Problem Solvers Caucus, which is Co-Chaired by Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), has sixty-four Members evenly split between Republicans and Democrats.
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