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Pelosi Statement Congratulating Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients

November 11, 2014

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after President Obama selected Ethel Kennedy, Congressman John Dingell, former Congressman Abner Mikva, the late Congressman Edward Roybal and the late Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink as recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom:

"Yesterday, the President announced he will bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom on 19 Americans who have left an indelible mark on our culture and our history. They are artists and activists, sportsmen and scientists, journalists and public servants; they are brave and bold men and women who have strengthened their communities and bettered our world.

"It was a particular pleasure to see Ethel Kennedy among this year's recipients. The matriarch of a great American family, Ethel has been a true patriot and civic leader in her own right. She was a full partner to her husband Robert F. Kennedy in their crusades for civil rights, social justice and human dignity. Today, Ethel continues to carry forward their shared legacy of leadership, supporting a new generation of activists fighting for an end to poverty and political oppression.

"I was also proud to see those honorees drawn from past and present members of the House of Representatives: my dear colleague Congressman John Dingell, former Congressman Abner Mikva, and departed friends, the late Congressman Edward Roybal and Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink.

"John Dingell defines public service and leadership. In the course of his unprecedented six decades in the House, Congressman Dingell has had a hand in some of the most important legislative accomplishments in modern history; historic battles for civil and workers' rights, food safety, and the health of the American people. In 1965, Dingell held the gavel in his hand as Medicare became the law of the land — the same gavel it was my privilege to hold as we passed the Affordable Care Act in 2010. Congressman Dingell is a living legend, and it has been my immense honor to serve in Congress alongside him.

"Former Congressman Abner Mikva has served with ability and distinction in every branch of our government. From the House of Representatives, to U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, to White House Counsel for President Clinton, Mikva brought a deep understanding of the law and the legislative process to every position he held. His work with the Mikva Challenge in Chicago has helped of thousands of young students realize the power of their voices and the possibilities of civic leadership.

"As one of the founders of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, Congressman Edward Roybal's trailblazing leadership opened new opportunities for generations of Latino Leaders. He served with strength, effectiveness and dignity — values that live on in the service of his daughter, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard.

"Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink was a tenacious champion for America's women to realize their full potential in our society. She broke down barriers in Hawaii and in the Capitol, as the first woman of color elected to the United States Congress. Congresswoman Mink's 12 terms in Congress were defined by her work to empower America's young women to succeed. Today, the Title IX amendments she co-authored in 1972 stand as a living legacy after her death, safeguarding the rights and expanding the opportunities of millions of American women every year.

"Each of the 2014 Medal of Freedom recipients inspires our nation. Their courage, creativity and leadership honors every American. My hearty congratulations and my abiding thanks are with them and their families."

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