President Biden on Thursday awarded former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) and several other Americans with the Presidential National Medal of Honor for their service to the country.
Cheney was recognized for her work in Congress and on the House Select Committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, and for speaking out about the importance of democracy.
When her name was called, the public address announcer said she was honored “for inviting the American people to the party.” When Cheney stood alongside Biden, she received a standing ovation from those in the east room.
Biden also awarded the medal to Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Mississippi), who served as committee chairman on Jan. 6. He was recognized for his “lifelong dedication to defending our nation's Constitution.”
Other recipients include former Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Connecticut). Former Sen. Ted Kaufman (D-Delaware). Mary Bonnaut argued for marriage equality before the Supreme Court as part of the Obergefell case. NBA Champion and former Senator Bill Bradley (DN.J.). Diane Carlson Evans, a former Army nurse; Former Sen. Nancy Kassebaum (R-Kansas).
Cheney has fallen into disrepute among Republicans, who have accused her of stoking partisan tensions.
said Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.). Earlier Thursday, Biden “Either pardon Liz Cheney or give her an award. She doesn't deserve that either. She represents partisanship and division, not Wyoming.”
