Biden Honors Liz Cheney and Others for Public Service

On a recent Thursday, President Biden recognized several Americans with the Presidential Citizens Medal for their contributions to the country. Among them was former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo. ), who was celebrated for her time in Congress and her role on the House committee that probed the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Cheney was praised for her advocacy for democracy, receiving a standing ovation when her name was announced. Biden also honored Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss. ) for his lifelong dedication to protecting the Constitution. Other notable recipients included former Senators Chris Dodd (D-Conn. ), Ted Kaufman (D-Del. ), and Nancy Kassebaum (R-Kan. ), as well as Mary Bonauto, a key figure in the Obergefell marriage equality case, former Army nurse Diane Carlson Evans, and former NBA champion and Senator Bill Bradley (D-N. J. ).Cheney's award wasn't universally celebrated. Some Republicans criticized her for intensifying political tensions, with Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo. ) commenting that she doesn't represent Wyoming but rather partisanship and divisiveness. The awards ceremony highlighted the importance of public service and the commitment of these individuals to the nation's values and principles. It also sparked debate about partisanship and the role of political figures in promoting unity and democracy.