Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions

Floor Speech

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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.

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. ______

By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mr. Blumenthal, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Booker, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Kaine, Mr. Kim, Mr. Gallego, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Reed, and Mr. Wyden):

S. 367. A bill to prohibit the importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of .50 caliber rifles, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance.

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