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Larson, Cole Commend Bipartisan Policy Center for Establishing Congressional Patriot Award

February 25, 2016

Washington – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) took to the House Floor to acknowledge the Bipartisan Policy Center’s recent establishment of the Congressional Patriot Award. This award will be bestowed to Reps. Sam Johnson (TX-03) and John Lewis (GA-05) in light of their courage and heroism.

“I commend the Bipartisan Policy Center and my honorary, co-chairman Tom Cole for their recognition of perhaps two of the finest Members of Congress,” said Larson. “It is a privilege to serve both with Rep. Johnson and Rep. Lewis, both of whom have demonstrated tremendous bravery and sacrifice throughout their lives. Many know of the beating and suffering Rep. Lewis endured when he made that historic trip across the Edmund Pettus bridge in the name of equality and civil rights. Fewer know of Rep. Johnson’s courage and resilience as a POW during the Vietnam War, where he too faced abuse at the hands of his captors and unthinkable stretches in solitary confinement. These two Congressman are living testimonies to American heroism, and they show that patriotism transcends political party.”

“I am very pleased that the Bipartisan Policy Center has chosen to acknowledge the heroic contributions of current and former members of the U.S. House of Representatives with the Congressional Patriot Award,” said Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04). For such a distinct honor, it is indeed fitting that the first recipients will be Reps. Sam Johnson and John Lewis. Before they were elected to serve in the House, both of these men showed unmistakable dedication to preserving, protecting and improving our country. As a former POW and combat veteran from the Vietnam War, Sam Johnson was tested and tried through unimaginable suffering that few will ever experience. An advocate for human rights and civil liberties, John Lewis similarly suffered along the Edmund Pettus Bridge while advancing a dream to change the direction of society. Without question, their sincerity, selflessness and patriotism makes them individuals worthy of the highest admiration.”

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Click above to watch Rep. Larson’s remarks on the House Floor or visit https://youtu.be/5RmXfslKfe0.

The Congressional Patriot Award will be presented to Reps. Johnson and Lewis at a March 15th ceremony at the Library of Congress. On Feb. 4th, Rep. Larson and Rep. Cole introduced H. Res. 604 recognizing the establishment of the Congressional Patriot Award and congratulating Sam Johnson and John Lewis for their patriotism and selfless service to the country. The resolution currently has 245 cosponsors.

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Issues:History