[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 22 (Monday, February 3, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S545-S546]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. PADILLA:
  S. 366. A bill to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to 
Muhammad Ali, in recognition of his contributions to the United States; 
to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
  Mr. PADILLA. Mr. 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 which 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 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 a 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 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 nearly 10 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.

[[Page S546]]

  The Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting award for an American who 
devoted his life and career to uplifting underserved communities in the 
U.S. 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.
                                 ______