California lawmakers introduce bill to award Congressional Gold Medal to Muhammad Ali

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — It looks like another gold medal is set to be awarded to famous American boxer Muhammad Ali.

On Thursday, California Senators Laphonza Butler (D-CA) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) introduced legislation to award the nation’s highest civilian award — a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal — to the boxing legend.

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Dubbed “The Muhammad Ali Congressional Gold Medal Act”, the senators explained in a news release that it would honor the life, legacy and accomplishments of Ali — who’s considered one of the greatest athletes and public figures in American history.

Ali is also known for his devotion to humanitarian causes and racial equality. His activism previously earned him many accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, an Amnesty International Lifetime Achievement Award, torchbearer at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic games, and his selection as a “United Nations Messenger of Peace.”

“Muhammad Ali served as an example of strength, service, and dedication for all generations, from his boxing career as one of the most decorated athletes of all time to helping our nation overcome the legacy of Jim Crow and segregation in sports,” said Senator Padilla. “He left a lasting impact on the Los Angeles community and inspired generations of Americans to pursue their dreams.”

When it came to his sport, Ali won three world heavyweight boxing championships and a gold medal at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, among many other accomplishments.

“The Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting award for an American who devoted his life and career to uplifting underserved communities in the U.S. and abroad,” Senator Padilla continued.

The bill came just ahead of the end of Black History Month. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) are cosponsoring the bill.

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