[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 82 (Wednesday, June 3, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H6081]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    H.R. 2648, AWARDING THE CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL TO MUHAMMAD ALI

  (Mr. CARSON of Indiana asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, yesterday, I introduced a bill 
that will award the Congressional Gold Medal to Muhammad Ali. Years ago 
many of my colleagues before my time watched Ali defeat Sonny Liston 
for the heavyweight title and saw him capture a gold medal at the 1960 
Olympics.
  His epic fights inspired a generation. But it was outside of the ring 
where Ali truly made his mark, fighting for civil rights and racial 
harmony and combating world hunger and disease. Under the shadow of 
1960s discrimination, few could have imagined an African American and 
Muslim would transcend race, religion and culture to promote peace 
around the world. I believe that today, as so many around the world are 
struggling, it is more important than ever to pay tribute to those who 
selflessly devote their lives to others.
  I encourage all of my colleagues to recognize a great humanitarian 
who remains a role model for generations to come. Join me please in 
supporting H.R. 2648.

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