Biden Honors Jan. 6 Congressional Panel Leaders with Prestigious Civilian Award

In a ceremony at the White House, President Joe Biden announced the recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation’s second-highest civilian honor. This year’s honorees include key figures in the congressional investigation of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot: Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, both recognized for their commitment to democracy amidst significant political pressure.

Biden is set to award the medal to 20 individuals on Thursday, celebrating a diverse group of Americans. Among them are advocates for marriage equality, a pioneer in medical treatment for wounded soldiers, and longtime friends of the president, such as former Senators Ted Kaufman and Chris Dodd.

The White House stated that President Biden believes these individuals exemplify decency and a commitment to public service, deeming the nation better for their contributions. Last year, Biden honored those who played a role in defending the Capitol during the chaotic events of January 6, 2021.

Liz Cheney, a Republican from Wyoming, and Bennie Thompson, a Democrat from Mississippi, chaired the House committee that investigated the Capitol insurrection. Following this investigation, Cheney indicated her support for Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming 2024 presidential race, which drew ire from former President Trump. Speculation surrounds Biden potentially offering preemptive pardons to Cheney and others targeted by Trump.

Despite his loss in the 2020 election, Trump continues to propagate falsehoods about the electoral process. He has also expressed intentions to pardon the January 6 rioters should he win the presidency again.

In addition to Cheney and Thompson, the award will recognize prominent figures such as lawyers Mary Bonauto and Evan Wolfson, who were instrumental in the legalization of same-sex marriage. Other honorees include Frank Butler, who developed new standards for treating war-related injuries, and Diane Carlson Evans, a Vietnam War Army nurse and founder of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Foundation.

Biden’s award list further includes photographer Bobby Sager, along with academics Thomas Vallely and Paula Wallace, and Frances Visco, who leads the National Breast Cancer Coalition. Notable former lawmakers receiving recognition are former Senators Bill Bradley and Nancy Kassebaum, as well as former Representative Carolyn McCarthy, known for her advocacy of gun safety reforms.

Four individuals will be honored posthumously: Joseph Galloway, a war correspondent; civil rights advocate Louis Lorenzo Redding; former state judge Collins Seitz; and Mitsuye Endo Tsutsumi, who challenged the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.

The Presidential Citizens Medal, established by President Nixon in 1969, honors those who have performed exemplary deeds of service for the country or their fellow citizens.