WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R-Kan.) today applauded House and Senate Leadership’s decision to set the ceremony to award former Kansas U.S. Senator Robert J. Dole with the Congressional Gold Medal on January 17, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. ET in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol.
Roberts and Jenkins introduced the original legislation in the Senate and the House to honor Dole with this award. After securing the cosponsorship of nearly all members of both chambers, it was signed into law on September 15.
“I am so proud we can finally honor Senator Dole with this much-deserved award,” said Sen. Roberts. “The Congressional Gold Medal is one of our nation’s highest honors, and the overwhelming support this bill received shows how just how much Bob deserves this award. He is a true American hero who has dedicated his life to serving our nation and great state of Kansas. I thank Rep. Jenkins for her leadership in the House, and I look forward to honoring my good friend, mentor, and brother Senator Bob Dole this January.”
“It has been a privilege to work with Sen. Roberts on legislation to honor my close friend and mentor, Sen. Bob Dole,” said Rep. Jenkins. “From my days as a kid wearing a sandwich board in support of his campaigns for the Senate, to the counsel he provided throughout my time in public service, Bob Dole has meant a lot to me and to all Kansans who know him. Throughout Senator Dole’s life, he has consistently exemplified humility, hard work, and leadership, and I could not be more proud to recognize him for this service.”
The Bob Dole Congressional Gold Medal Act, was introduced on July 24, 2017. It passed the Senate on August 3, 2017, with every single U.S. Senator cosponsoring the legislation. It passed the House on September 5, 2017.
The Congressional Gold Medal is in “recognition for his service to the nation as a soldier, legislator and statesman.” It is the highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. It is the most distinguished honor and the highest civilian honor given by the Congress.
The full text of the legislation can he found here.
The ceremony will be live-streamed at speaker.gov/live. For more on the history of the Congressional Gold Medal, view this video from the Speaker’s office.