WASHINGTON (AP) 鈥 Billie Jean King will become the first .
Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey announced Tuesday that their bipartisan legislation had passed the House of Representatives and would be sent to President Joe Biden for his signature.
The bill to honor King, the tennis Hall of Famer and activist, had already passed unanimously in the Senate.
Sherrill, a Democrat, said in a statement that King's 鈥渓ifetime of advocacy and hard work changed the landscape for women and girls on the court, in the classroom, and the workplace.鈥
The bill was introduced last September on the 50th anniversary of King鈥檚 victory over Bobby Riggs in the 鈥淏attle of the Sexes,鈥 still the most-watched tennis match of all-time. The medal, awarded by Congress for distinguished achievements and contributions to society, has previously been given to athletes including baseball players Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente, and golfers Jack Nicklaus, Byron Nelson and Arnold Palmer.
King had already been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009. Fitzpatrick, a Republican, says she has 鈥渂roken barriers, led uncharted paths, and inspired countless people to stand proudly with courage and conviction in the fight for what is right.鈥
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The Associated Press