Billie Jean King Closes in on Congressional Gold Medal

NEW YORK (AP) — Two members of the House of Representatives say they have enough votes to make Billie Jean King the nation’s top Democratic candidate. first female athlete to receive the Congressional Gold Medal.

Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey said Thursday they have about 300 co-sponsors in the 435-member House, after Fitzpatrick said the companion bill passed unanimously in the Senate.

The only step left for the Tennis Hall of Famer and activist to get the honor, they say, is to bring the bill to a vote.

“Billie Jean is a barrier breaker and I hope she breaks another barrier,” said Fitzpatrick, a Republican. “I hope this is the first of many.”

The bill was introduced last September, the 50th anniversary of King’s victory over Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes,” the most-watched tennis match of all time. Also in 1973, King led the campaign that made the U.S. Open the first tournament to award prize money. equal prize money for male and female championsand the The WTA Tour was created.

The Gold Medal, awarded by Congress for distinguished achievement and contributions to society, has previously been awarded to athletes such as baseball players Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente, and golfers Jack Nicklaus, Byron Nelson and Arnold Palmer.

Sherrill, a Democrat, said it was clear how much support there was now for giving the prize to King.

“We need her support,” Sherrill said. “For example, when Billie Jean King runs for Congress, our Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi runs with her because of that relationship and the impact she’s had on so many women and so many of us.”

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Tennis AP: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis