RELEASE: House Passes Gottheimer-backed Bipartisan Legislation to Award Billie Jean King the Congressional Gold Medal

Above: Gottheimer with tennis legend Billie Jean King.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last night, September 17, 2024, the Billie Jean King Congressional Gold Medal Act, which U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) helped lead and introduce, passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, 308-87.  The bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus also endorsed this seminal bill. 

This bipartisan legislation will award Billie Jean King the Congressional Gold Medal. A tennis legend in the United States, Billie Jean was also instrumental in the passage of Title IX and has used her platform to advocate for equality for female athletes. In 2009, she was the first female athlete to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. 

“Billie Jean King has been a trailblazing hero for women, girls, and athletes nationwide. Her courage has helped boost equality for female athletes and move our country forward,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “I’m honored to have helped lead this bipartisan legislation and recognize this American champion for her lifetime of achievements and her tireless fight for women’s rights.”

The legislation is led by Reps. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Lou Correa (CA-46), Mike Garcia (CA-27), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Young Kim (CA-39), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Michelle Steel (CA-45), Grace Meng (NY-06), and Buddy Carter (GA-01).

The resolution is supported by the United States Tennis Association.

Read the text of the resolution HERE.

###