Newhouse Announces General James N. Mattis Congressional Gold Medal Act
"I believe James Mattis belongs amongst the giants of American exceptionalism."
SPOKANE, WA – On Thursday, October 24, at Washington Policy Center's Eastern Washington Annual Dinner, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) announced that he will be introducing the General James N. Mattis Congressional Gold Medal Act.
Rep. Newhouse introduced General James (Jim) Mattis, who was the keynote speaker at the dinner. In his remarks, Rep. Newhouse said, "Some of you may not be aware of this award – it is the highest honor the United States Congress can bestow. It is not something handed out often, and frankly it is very difficult to get signed into law… I want you all to know, as this is the first time I am making this publicly known, that I will be working my hardest to ensure General Mattis is the next distinguished leader to receive the Congressional Gold Medal."
The bill would award General Jim Mattis, a native Washingtonian and Tri-Cities resident, with the Congressional Gold Medal "in recognition of his distinguished military career, his steadfast moral character and patriotism, and his unyielding devotion to the protection of this Nation." The legislation will be introduced on Monday, October 28, with the support of the full bipartisan Washington congressional delegation.
Background:
Congressional Gold Medals have been bestowed upon great generals, leaders, and thinkers in our nation's history, including but not limited to George Washington, Ulysses S. Grant, Douglas MacArthur, and Harry S. Truman. In order to be considered, Congressional Gold Medal legislation must be cosponsored by at least two-thirds (290) of the Members of the House.