Cheney gets standing ovation as Biden awards Presidential Citizens Medal

President Biden honored former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) and several other Americans Thursday with the Presidential Citizens Medal to recognize their service to the country.

Cheney was recognized for her service in Congress and on the special House 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 being honored "for putting the American people over party." Cheney received a standing ovation from those in the East Room as she stood with Biden.

Biden also gave the medal to Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), who served as chair of the Jan. 6 committee. He was recognized for his "lifelong dedication to safeguarding our Constitution."

Other honorees included former Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.); former Sen. Ted Kaufman (D-Del.); Mary Bonauto, who argued for marriage equality in front of the Supreme Court as part of the Obergefell case; NBA champion and former Sen. Bill Bradley (D-N.J.); former Army nurse Diane Carlson Evans; and former Sen. Nancy Kassebaum (R-Kan.).

Cheney's honor fell flat among Republicans, who have accused her of fueling partisan tensions.

Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) said earlier Thursday that Biden “was either going to pardon Liz Cheney or give her an award. She doesn’t deserve either. She represents partisanship and divisiveness — not Wyoming.”

Topics

Biden awards Presidential Citizens Medal to Jan. 6 committee leaders and other Americans

President Biden awarded the nation's second-highest civilian honor to 20 Americans on Thursday, including House Jan. 6 committee leaders Rep. Bennie Thompson and former Rep. Liz Cheney. CBS News ...
CBS News - 2d
Biden awards Presidential Citizens Medals to 20 recipients, including Liz Cheney

According to the White House press release, this award is given to Americans who "have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens."
ABC News - 2d
Former Rep. Cheney, Rep. Thompson receive Presidential Citizens medal from Biden

President Joe Biden awarded Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., with the Presidential Citizens Medal during a ceremony at the White House. The medal is the ...
NBC News - 2d
Biden awards Presidential Citizens Medal to key members of House Jan. 6 committee

President Joe Biden awarded Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., who served as chair and vice chair of the now-defunct House Jan. 6 committee, with the Presidential ...
NBC News - 2d
Watch: Biden honors Cheney, others with Presidential Citizens Medal

President Biden hosted a ceremony Thursday evening to award 20 individuals with the Presidential Citizens Medal. Former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) — who has become a vocal critic of President-elect ...
The Hill - 2d
Biden awards Presidential Citizens Medal to members of House Jan. 6 committee

Watch live coverage as President Biden delivers remarks and awards the Presidential Citizens Medal to several individuals, including former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney and Rep. Bennie Thompson for their ...
NBC News - 2d
Liz Cheney Is Among 20 Chosen to Receive Presidential Citizens Medal

Two close advisers to President Biden will also be honored, in addition to career lawmakers who have worked across the aisle and advocates for liberal causes.
The New York Times - 2d
Biden to award Presidential Citizens Medal to Cheney, Thompson

Rep. Bennie Thompson, a Mississippi Democrat, and former Rep. Liz Cheney, a Wyoming Republican, served as chair and vice chair of the House Jan. 6 select committee.
CBS News - 2d
Biden to award Liz Cheney and others with Presidential Citizens Medal

President Biden on Thursday will award the Presidential Citizens Medal to 20 individuals at the White House, including former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), who has been an outspoken critic of ...
The Hill - 2d