Ohio Senators Brown & Portman Introduce Legislation to Award Jack Nicklaus Congressional Gold Medal

On Tuesday, Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced legislation to award golfer Jack Nicklaus the Congressional Gold Medal, which is "in recognition of his service to the nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship in golf."

The House of Representatives has already passed legislation awarding Nicklaus, an Ohio native, the Congressional Gold Medal in a vote of 373 to 4. That bill had 341 co-sponsors.

In a statement on Tuesday, Portman said:

"As perhaps the greatest golfer of all time, Jack Nicklaus has already earned legendary status for his athletic achievements, his true sportsmanship on the golf course, and his promotion of the game. Yet in addition to Jack’s career in golf, he and Barbara have positively impacted the lives of thousands of children and their families through the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and other initiatives. We should recognize this native Ohioan for his extraordinary accomplishments."

Sen. Brown also highlighted Nicklaus Ohio roots. The legendary golf was born in Columbus and attended The Ohio State University. Brown added:

"Known across the world for his records on the golf course, it’s his hometown Ohio roots that ground his lasting legacy. The Congressional Gold Medal is one of our nation’s highest honors and it’s fitting that the Golden Bear, who set records on the golf course and set the highest standards for service and philanthropy in our communities, receives it."