President Biden recently awarded former Republican Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney and Mississippi Democrat Rep. Bennie Thompson with the second-highest civilian medal, the Presidential Citizens Medal, for their exemplary service to the country. The White House stated that the recipients were honored for their common decency, commitment to serving others, and dedication to sacrifice. Cheney, in particular, was commended for her integrity, intrepidness, and defense of the nation’s core ideals. Thompson was recognized for his unwavering integrity and steadfast commitment to truth, which he demonstrated during his service on the House January 6th Committee.
Cheney and Thompson were key figures in the House January 6th Committee, with Cheney serving as the vice chair and Thompson as the chair. The committee was established to investigate the breach of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of former President Trump on January 6, 2021. Despite facing backlash from Republicans and criticisms from Trump himself, the committee completed its 18-month investigation and sent referrals to the Justice Department recommending criminal prosecution for Trump’s involvement in the events leading up to the Capitol breach.
While Biden’s decision to award Cheney was praised by many, some Republican officials, including Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, criticized the move. Barrasso accused Cheney of representing partisanship and divisiveness rather than the interests of her home state of Wyoming. Republican House reports have previously called for an FBI investigation into possible criminal witness tampering by Cheney, allegations that both Cheney and Thompson have vehemently denied.
Cheney’s removal from her role as GOP conference chair in 2021 and her subsequent primary election loss in 2022 highlight the deep divide within the Republican Party regarding her stance against former President Trump. Despite facing scrutiny and backlash, Cheney remains steadfast in her commitment to the truth and her role in holding individuals accountable for their actions on January 6th. The recent awarding of the Presidential Citizens Medal serves to honor Cheney and Thompson for their dedication to defending the rule of law and upholding the nation’s values of freedom, dignity, and decency.
The honor of the Presidential Citizens Medal is seen as a recognition of the sacrifices and contributions made by Cheney and Thompson in their roles on the House January 6th Committee. Despite facing challenges and criticism, both individuals have remained steadfast in their pursuit of the truth and their commitment to upholding the rule of law. The award serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity, service, and dedication to the country, values that Cheney and Thompson have embodied throughout their careers in public service.
As Cheney and Thompson continue to face scrutiny and backlash from both political opponents and former President Trump, their recognition with the Presidential Citizens Medal highlights the significant impact of their service on the House January 6th Committee. The award serves as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and upholding the core principles of democracy and the rule of law. Despite facing challenges and criticism, Cheney and Thompson have remained committed to defending the nation’s freedoms and values, making them worthy recipients of the prestigious honor.
