[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 37 (Thursday, February 29, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1086-S1087]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. PADILLA (for himself, Mr. Booker, Ms. Butler, and Mrs. 
        Gillibrand):
  S. 3842. A bill to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to 
Muhammed Ali, in recognition of his contributions to the United States; 
to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
  Mr. PADILLA, Madam President, I rise to speak in support of the 
Muhammad Ali Congressional Gold Medal Act, which I introduced today.
  Muhammad Ali is often referred to as ``The Greatest,'' an appropriate 
title that he earned through his inspiring athletic achievements, 
dedication to ensuring that all Americans have equal rights, and 
advocacy for underserved communities around the world. Ali serves as an 
example of service and self-sacrifice for all generations.
  Muhammad Ali was born in Louisville, KY, on January 17, 1942. From an 
early age, he excelled in boxing, going on to win a Gold Medal at the 
1960 Olympic Games in Rome and becoming an undisputed heavyweight 
boxing champion. Throughout his career, he helped our Nation grow past 
the legacy of Jim Crow and segregation in sports. He worked tirelessly 
to support medical research and charitable organizations, including 
founding the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center and raising over $50 million 
for Parkinson's research.
  Ali's devotion to humanitarian causes and racial equality earned him 
many accolades, including being chosen as United Nations Messenger of 
Peace and receiving an Amnesty International Lifetime Achievement 
Award. He was also chosen to light the Olympic flame at the 1996 
Olympic Games in

[[Page S1087]]

Atlanta, and in 2005, President George W. Bush awarded Ali the 
Presidential Medal of Freedom.
  Muhammad Ali also left a lasting impact on my home State of 
California. For roughly 7 years, Ali lived in Los Angeles, and five of 
his professional fights were held in Southern California. Due to his 
courage and conviction, the 1987 California Bicentennial Foundation for 
the U.S. Constitution selected Ali to personify the vitality of the 
Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
  The Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting award for an American who 
devoted his life and career to uplifting underserved communities in the 
United States and abroad. I want to thank Representative Carson for 
introducing this bill in the House, and I hope that our colleagues on 
both sides of the aisle will join us in awarding a posthumous 
Congressional Gold Medal to Muhammad Ali.
                                 ______