Senator Collins, Bipartisan Group Honor Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm with Congressional Gold Medal

Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins joined a bipartisan group of Senators in introducing legislation to honor Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to Congress in 1968. The Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act would instruct Congress to present the medal in commemoration of Chisholm’s legacy and posthumously endow Chisholm with Congress’s highest award in commemoration of her accomplishments, activism, and legacy. The Shirley Chisholm Statue Act would direct Congress to commission and place a statue of the late Congresswoman in a permanent public location in the U.S. Capitol.

“Shirley Chisholm was a pioneering figure in American politics, serving as a source of inspiration for millions throughout our country,” said Senator Collins. “I am proud to join this effort to recognize her historic contributions to our nation.”

Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm was born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 30, 1924. She graduated from Brooklyn College and went on to earn her master’s degree from Columbia University. Chisholm dedicated her entire career to service, working in education and social services before being elected as the second African American to the New York State Assembly in 1964. During her seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and her run for President of the United States, Shirley Chisholm was an outspoken advocate for women and minorities through legislation and leadership.

The Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act is also co-sponsored by Senators Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Cory Booker ( D-NJ), Tina Smith (D-MN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV.), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Liza Murkowski (R-AK), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Alex Padilla (D-CA).

The Shirley Chisholm Statue Act is also co-sponsored by Senators Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Maize Hirono (D-HI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tina Smith (D-MN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Bob Casey (D-PA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Van Hollen (D-MD), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).

The Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act full bill text can be found HERE.

The Shirley Chisholm Statue Act full bill text can be found HERE.

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