Former Sen. Bob Dole received a standing ovation in the Capitol Rotunda as he was honored by President Trump, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), and members of Congress with the Congressional Gold Medal.
Dole was recognized with the highest civilian award for his service to the nation as a soldier, legislator, and statesman. The honor requires bipartisan support from two-thirds of the House and 67 members of the Senate.
Dole has previously received presidential recognition by President Reagan in 1989 and President Clinton in 1997 and was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for his military service.
Throughout his 35 years in Congress, Dole was known for his ability to work across the aisle and foster practical bipartisanship on issues such as Social Security. Dole has been a life-long advocate for the disabled and was a key figure in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990.
Dole was instrumental in the creation of the Bipartisan Policy Center, joining with three other former Senate majority leaders—Howard Baker, Tom Daschle, and George Mitchell—to establish an organization that advances the ideas that animated his political career.
“We salute one of our nation’s finest public servants. A decorated war hero, statesman, and presidential and vice-presidential candidate, Bob Dole has dedicated his life to this country and we are all immeasurably better for his service,” said BPC President Jason Grumet.
Dole is a proud partisan who understands that the best policies do not come from one person or one party, but are the product of deliberation and collaboration.
As noted in the official congressional record, throughout his life-long service, “Dole has embodied the American spirit of leadership and determination, and serves as one of the most prolific role models both in and outside of politics.”
Learn more about the extraordinary life of Sen. Bob Dole. Watch the short film A Century of Service below.