Thursday marked the day that President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal to former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney and Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson for their work as leaders of the January 6 House Select Committee. The honor is the country’s second-highest civilian distinction, given to those who have made significant contributions to their country or fellow citizens.
During the White House ceremony, President Biden gave praise to Cheney and Thompson for “unwavering integrity and steadfast commitment to truth” in carrying out their work on the January 6 investigation. “Throughout her career, Liz Cheney has embodied courage and bipartisanship, defending the ideals of freedom and dignity,” Biden said. Similarly, he defined Thompson’s long-life devotion to civil rights and justice.
The January 6 Committee was formed in July 2021 to investigate the breach of the U.S. Capitol. Cheney was vice chair, and Thompson chaired the committee. Their leadership in uncovering the events surrounding the attack received both praise and criticism.
Even as many of the Republican leaders accepted the praise, several other Republicans criticized Biden sharply. Wyoming Senator John Barrasso accused him of playing politics with a divisive figure such as Cheney.
Cheney and Thompson appreciated the award but reemphasized that democracy must stand against all kinds of political shenanigans.
In its report, published in 2023, the January 6 Committee concluded an investigation into whether former President Donald Trump should face criminal charges over his role in inciting the attack on the Capitol. This time of reflection for the nation on what occurred on that day underlines how important accountability and resilience are for democratic institutions.
This recognition of Cheney and Thompson marks a significant moment in recognizing the effort that was not easy to make in light of the country’s turbulent nature during one of America’s toughest times.
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