WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) introduced bipartisan legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to tennis legend and American icon Billie Jean King. The legislation is endorsed by the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

The medal would be awarded in recognition of Billie Jean King’s groundbreaking leadership, throughout her life and career, in advancing equal rights for women in athletics, education, and society at large. King was instrumental in securing equal prize money in men’s and women’s tennis at the U.S. Open, spearheaded the formation of the Women’s Tennis Association, and brought worldwide attention to pay equality throughout her career and in her “Battle of the Sexes” match against Bobby Riggs. Today, Wednesday, September 20th marks the 50th anniversary of the match. 

“Billie Jean King has been an inspiration for female athletes around the world— not only for her incredible talent on the tennis court but also for her determination in fighting for women to receive equal pay. I can think of no other female athlete that has done more to advance women and girls in sports than Billie Jean King, and I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing legislation to award her the Congressional Gold Medal for her efforts,” Senator Capito said.

“I am incredibly excited that after just finishing the 2023 US Open – where we celebrated the event’s 50th anniversary of awarding equal prize money to men and women champions – and in a year where a new American woman champion was crowned in the amazing Coco Gauff, that Senators Gillibrand, Capito, and Sinema have introduced legislation in the Senate to recognize Billie Jean King with the Congressional Gold Medal,” USTA Chairman of the Board and President Brian Hainline, said. “Billie Jean has utilized her status as both a champion of tennis and as an American icon to fight for equality in all aspects of life. Her legacy and impact are embodied by these three women who have introduced this legislation, and in the Coco’s phenomenal lift of the US Open trophy. It is only fitting that today, on the 50th anniversary of Billie Jean King defeating Bobby Riggs in the ‘Battle of the Sexes,’ that this legislation is being put forth in the Senate.”

BACKGROUND:

Since the American Revolution, Congress has commissioned gold medals as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions to society. To date, an individual woman athlete has never received the Congressional Gold Medal. Previous athletes who have received the Congressional Gold Medal include Jackie Robinson, Jesse Owens, Roberto Clemente, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Byron Nelson, Willie O’Ree, Greg LeMond, Larry Doby, Joe Louis, and the 1980 Summer Olympic team.

Senator Capito has long advocated for women athletes to receive equal pay and benefits. Earlier this year, Senator Capito’s Equal Pay for Team USA Act was signed into law, which ensures all athletes who represent the United States in global competition – like the World Cup, Olympics, and Paralympics – receive equal pay and benefits.

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