Biden Awards Citizens Medals to Jan. 6 Committee Leaders, Others/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Joe Biden will award the Presidential Citizens Medal to 20 recipients, including Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, leaders of the Jan. 6 congressional investigation. The honorees represent contributions to democracy, equality, and public service, in what Biden calls a celebration of “dedication and sacrifice.”
Presidential Citizens Medal: Quick Looks
Honoring Jan. 6 Committee Leaders
- Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, who led the investigation into the Capitol riot, are among the recipients.
- The committee’s report accused Donald Trump of a “multi-part conspiracy” to overturn the 2020 election results.
Key Honorees
- Equality Advocates: Attorney Mary Bonauto and Evan Wolfson, pioneers of same-sex marriage advocacy.
- Public Servants: Former Sens. Ted Kaufman, Chris Dodd, and Bill Bradley, and activist Eleanor Smeal.
- Military and Civil Rights Heroes: Vietnam nurse Diane Carlson Evans and posthumous recipients like civil rights attorney Louis Lorenzo Redding.
Trump’s Criticism
- President-elect Donald Trump called Cheney and Thompson’s actions “inexcusable,” accusing the committee of mishandling evidence.
Biden Awards Citizens Medals to Jan. 6 Committee Leaders, Others
Deep Look
President Joe Biden will bestow the Presidential Citizens Medal on Thursday to 20 individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to democracy, equality, and public service. Among the recipients are former lawmakers Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, who led the congressional investigation into the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Jan. 6 Committee Leaders Honored
Cheney, a Republican, and Thompson, a Democrat, led the bipartisan House committee that investigated the events surrounding the Capitol attack. Their final report concluded that Donald Trump engaged in a “multi-part conspiracy” to overturn the 2020 presidential election and incited his supporters to storm the Capitol.
In recognizing their efforts, Biden emphasized the importance of accountability in safeguarding democracy. “The country is better because of their dedication and sacrifice,” the White House said.
Criticism from Trump
The recognition of Cheney and Thompson has drawn sharp criticism from President-elect Trump, who continues to dispute the 2020 election results. Trump accused the committee of destroying evidence and suggested Cheney and Thompson “should go to jail” during a recent interview.
Trump has vowed to pardon individuals involved in the Capitol riot when he takes office on January 20.
A Diverse Roster of Honorees
In addition to Cheney and Thompson, Biden will honor a range of advocates, public servants, and pioneers:
- Equality Advocates: Mary Bonauto and Evan Wolfson, who played pivotal roles in the fight for marriage equality.
- Military Contributors: Diane Carlson Evans, a Vietnam nurse and founder of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Foundation, and Frank Butler, who set new standards for treating battlefield injuries.
- Activists and Leaders: Eleanor Smeal, a leader in the women’s rights movement, and Frances Visco, president of the National Breast Cancer Coalition.
- Posthumous Recognitions: Journalist Joseph Galloway, civil rights attorney Louis Lorenzo Redding, and Mitsuye Endo Tsutsumi, who challenged Japanese American detention during World War II.
Historical Context of the Citizens Medal
Created in 1969 by President Richard Nixon, the Presidential Citizens Medal is the second-highest civilian honor in the U.S. It recognizes individuals who have performed “exemplary deeds of service” for their country or fellow citizens.
Broader Implications
Biden’s recognition of Jan. 6 committee leaders underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing the Capitol riot’s lasting impact on democracy. As Trump prepares to assume office, the contrasting narratives around the events of January 6 continue to shape national discourse.
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