Tiger Woods Won't Get Congressional Gold Medal

By: Brian Montopoli
Topics: In The News

(AP)

In March, Rep. Joe Baca (D-Calif.) introduced a measure to give the Congressional Gold Medal – the highest civilian award that Congress can bestow – to Tiger Woods.

Today, perhaps unsurprisingly, he said he was giving up that effort.

"In light of the recent developments surrounding Tiger Woods and his family, I will not pursue legislation awarding him the Congressional Gold Medal this session," Baca, who is described as "an avid golfer," told The Hill.

The bill proposed by Baca was to recognize Woods for "his service to the Nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship, and in breaking barriers with grace and dignity by showing that golf is a sport for all people."

According to the Hill, President Obama signed into law a Baca-backed measure to honor golfer Arnold Palmer in September. The Woods measure was originally referred to the House Financial Services Committee, but Chairman Barney Frank (D-Mass.) did not take action on it.

Wednesday Roundup: Tiger Fallout Mounts

*Correction: This post has been changed to reflect the fact that the medal in question is the Congressional Gold Medal, not the Medal of Honor.

Brian Montopoli
Brian Montopoli is the senior political reporter at CBSNews.com.
Follow on Twitter »

9 Comments Have Your Say
Email Story Send to a Friend
Share This Tell Your Friends
Tweet This Tweet This
More Share It

Add a Comment


by mountainstates1 December 10, 2009 10:33 AM EST: Even if Tiger hadn't sunk to this low....a congressional medal? For a golfer? Really? Did he cure cancer? Did he cure aids? What the hell was this stupd twit of a congressman thinking anyways??; Reply to this comment


by rainiz4slugz December 10, 2009 7:04 AM EST: Funny how here in Washington State, our Game birds and Chickens make the sounds: bac,bac,baca. Point: Politicians are always there to take their accolades with the "winners;" And, no where to be found, and then assigning blame to others, when things go Sour. Their yellow stripes glow in the dark when running away from their mistakes. No wonder we have become cynical about our leadership.; Reply to this comment


by rottol15 December 9, 2009 6:40 PM EST: Seriously, whoever edited this piece should be fired. Congressional Medal of Honor? For a civilian? Come on - seventh grade government class stuff. Geez.; Reply to this comment


by emag December 9, 2009 5:32 PM EST: CBS bozos - you need to fire Brian Monotoboli. He is obviously too stupid to be a reporter. Get your medals straight.; Reply to this comment


by anon11111 December 9, 2009 5:08 PM EST: You've got your medals mixed up. The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest award for military. The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest awards for civilians. They are not the same medal.; Reply to this comment


by anon11111 December 9, 2009 5:07 PM EST: You've got your medals mixed up. The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest award for military. The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest awards for civilians. They are not the same medal.; Reply to this comment


by anon11111 December 9, 2009 5:05 PM EST: I'm afraid you've got your medals mixed up. The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest award for military. The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest awards for civilians. They are not same medal.; Reply to this comment


by keyslammer December 9, 2009 4:56 PM EST: I bet all this mess ol Tiger has gotten himself into has really put a damper on the d_ _k. This is just too funny. Men AND women who think they're going to get away with it forever. It's never happened and it never will. Karma always comes to bite you in the rumpola. By the way Textextex2...I despise Amway as well. :-); Reply to this comment


by barbaram99 December 9, 2009 4:49 PM EST: He should not get the medal..I am sure it should go to a person that has done alot for this nation..He may play golf but he has not set proper example.; Reply to this comment