Biden to give second highest civilian award to leaders of January 6 congressional panel
The Hindu
President Biden awards Presidential Citizens Medal to 20 individuals, including Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, for exemplary service.
President Joe Biden is bestowing the second highest civilian medal on Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson — the lawmakers who led the congressional investigation into the violent January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot by Donald Trump's supporters, and who Trump has said should be jailed.
Mr. Biden will award the Presidential Citizens Medal to 20 people in a ceremony Thursday (January 2, 2024) at the White House, including Americans who fought for marriage equality, a pioneer in treating wounded soldiers, and two of the President's longtime friends, former Sens Ted Kaufman, D-Del, and Chris Dodd, D-Conn.
“President Biden believes these Americans are bonded by their common decency and commitment to serving others,” the White House said in a statement. “The country is better because of their dedication and sacrifice.”
Also Read | Capitol riot panel blames Donald Trump for January 6 ‘attempted coup’
Mr. Biden last year honoured people who were involved in defending the Capitol from the rioters, or who helped safeguard the will of American voters during the 2020 presidential election, when Trump tried and failed to overturn the results.
Ms. Cheney, who was a Republican representative from Wyoming, and Thompson, a Mississippi Democrat, led the House committee that probed the insurrection. Ms. Cheney later said she would vote for Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 Presidential race and even campaigned with her, raising Mr. Trump's ire. Mr. Biden has been considering whether to offer preemptive pardons to Cheney and others Trump has targeted.
Mr. Trump, who won the 2024 election and will take office on January 20, still refuses to back away from his lies about the 2020 Presidential race and has said he would pardon the rioters once he takes office.
Indian envoy Santosh Jha meets Sri Lanka’s Housing Minister to discuss reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Ditwah's devastating impact.
The U.S. and Kenya sign a $2.5 billion health deal, marking the start of "America First" global health agreements.
Explore the resilience and daily realities of Ukrainians enduring relentless warfare in a country forever changed by conflict.
Trump's envoys engage with Ukraine amid eased sanctions on Russia, seeking to advance peace negotiations following recent talks with Putin.
Explore China's rural revitalization efforts, showcasing poverty alleviation, local spirit, and sustainable development in its diverse landscapes.
UN Security Council delegates visit Syria for the first time since 1945, aiming to build trust and support national reconciliation.
U.S. reduces work permit validity for refugees and asylum seekers to 18 months, citing public safety concerns following recent violence.
U.S. plans to expand travel ban from 19 to over 30 countries, says Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Pakistan appoints Asim Munir as its first Chief of Defence Forces, enhancing military command unity and decision-making efficiency.
Pakistan permits U.N. relief supplies to Afghanistan through two border crossings, prioritizing humanitarian aid delivery and container clearance.
Pentagon watchdog warns Hegseth's use of Signal jeopardized U.S. troops by compromising sensitive military information.
The U.K. sanctions Russia's GRU over the Salisbury poisoning, holding Putin accountable for the tragic death of Dawn Sturgess.
FBI arrests a suspect in the 2021 pipe bomb investigation linked to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.