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On September 17, 2024, Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) announced the passage of his bipartisan, bicameral legislation with Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) in the House of Representatives to award Billie Jean King the Congressional Gold Medal. This honor celebrates her lifetime of advocacy and pursuit of equality both on and off the tennis court. With the President’s signature, Billie Jean King will become the first female athlete in history to receive this recognition.

“Billie Jean King: American icon, legendary athlete, trailblazer, ardent advocate—and now, the first female athlete to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. I am proud to have authored and led this bipartisan, bicameral effort with Rep. Sherrill and Senator Gillibrand to award the indomitable Billie Jean with the Congressional Gold Medal for her lifetime of advocacy and leadership in the pursuit of equality. Throughout her extraordinary life, Billie Jean has broken barriers, led uncharted paths, and inspired countless people to stand proudly with courage and conviction in the fight for what is right. With this bill getting signed into law, we are cementing Billie Jean's legacy as both a champion of tennis and equality whose impact will continue to inspire and empower future generations,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.

“Billie Jean King’s lifetime of advocacy and hard work changed the landscape for women and girls on the court, in the classroom, and in the workplace. That’s why it has been an absolute honor to help lead the bipartisan effort to add another ‘first’ to Billie Jean’s resume of trailblazing accomplishments: the first individual female athlete to earn the Congressional Gold Medal,” said Rep. Sherrill. “From fighting for Title IX and equal pay to her ongoing advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, Billie Jean King has truly impacted the lives of so many – I am thrilled that we are finally recognizing her with Congress’s highest honor. I am grateful to Senator Gillibrand and Rep. Fitzpatrick for their ongoing partnership in getting this gold medal across the finish line and I look forward to President Biden signing it into law!”

“Billie Jean is an American icon, a tennis legend whose accomplishments on the court are only rivaled by her work off it,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). “From her pioneering work on gender equality and Title IX to her advocacy for the LGBTQ community, Billie Jean used her talent and platform to create lasting change. No one could be more fitting to receive the first Congressional Gold Medal awarded to an individual woman athlete. I look forward to seeing this bill get signed into law.”

After passing both chambers with overwhelming support from both parties, Rep. Fitzpatrick’s and Sherrill’s legislation will head to President Biden’s desk for a signature – completing a yearslong effort.

The Congressional Gold Medal will add to Billie Jean’s list of accomplishments including earning the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.

The Congressional Gold Medal is Congress's oldest civilian award given for distinguished achievements.

Rep. Fitzpatrick previously secured this medal for Rosie the Riveters through his bipartisan legislation signed into law on December 4th, 2020.

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