Congresswoman Lee Welcomes Senators Butler and Warnock as Senate Co-Leads on the Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) celebrated Senators Laphonza Butler (D-CA) and Raphael Warnock’s (D-GA) Senate introduction of her legislation to award the Honorable Shirley Chisholm with the Congressional Gold Medal. This legislation serves as a companion to the House bill, , H.R. 1088, introduced by Reps. Lee, Maxine Waters, Hakeem Jeffries, and Yvette Clarke.
"I am grateful to my Senate colleagues, friends, and dedicated public servants Senators Laphonza Butler and Raphael Warnock for leading the Senate introduction of my bill to honor the incomparable Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm." said Rep Lee. "Shirley Chisholm was a tireless voice for the marginalized who spent her career fighting for justice and equity for all people—especially people of color. It's past time Congress recognize her legendary career and honor her with a congressional gold medal."
In February of 2023 Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) introduced a bill to honor the work and legacy of the late Shirley Chisholm with a Congressional Gold Medal, which serves as the highest expression of national gratitude for distinguished service and achievements. Shirley Chisholm was the first African American woman to the United States Congress. In 1968, the Congresswoman took her seat as the Representative for New York’s 12th Congressional District—a post that she would hold for seven terms. During her tenure in Congress, Chisholm focused on tackling issues of food insecurity and economic justice. She was a fearless advocate for American families and also served as a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus.