Murphy, Blumenthal, DeLauro Lead Lawmakers In Introducing Bipartisan Bill Honoring Constance Baker Motley With Congressional Gold Medal

WASHINGTON-Ahead of Judge Constance Baker Motley's birthday on September 14, U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) led a group of lawmakers in introducing legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to Judge Motley-the first Black women to serve on the federal bench in the United States and argue before the United States Supreme Court. Judge Motley tirelessly fought for racial equality and equal justice under the law, helping to author the argument against "separate but equal" in Brown v. Board of Education and leading litigation that desegregated public accommodations and integrated universities across the south. The lawmakers' bill would award Judge Motley with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions.

"The history of our country would look very different without the contributions of Constance Baker Motley," said Murphy. "Judge Motley broke new ground wherever she went-she was the first Black woman to argue in front of the Supreme Court, and the first to be appointed to the federal judiciary. Yet, Judge Motley made sure she was never the last, and her generosity of spirit continues to inspire leaders at the highest levels of our government. The Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting recognition for a woman who left an unparalleled mark on American public life and made us a fundamentally better country as a result."

"Constance Baker Motley was a trailblazer, a legal hero, and a force for justice and equality. Possessing a deep respect and commitment to equal justice under the law, Judge Motley dedicated her career to ensuring our Constitution's ideals applied to all Americans and made landmark progress in advancing civil rights and racial justice," said Blumenthal. "Judge Motley broke down barriers and inspired generations of lawyers, judges, and other members of the legal profession. A Congressional Gold Medal would honor her legacy and the impact she had on our nation's history."

"Constance Baker Motley was a force," said DeLauro. "Born in New Haven to immigrant parents, she broke barriers throughout her legal career and made history as the first Black woman to serve as a federal judge. Her perseverance and determination secured numerous victories in the fight for civil rights and paved the way for generations who followed in her footsteps. As her birthday approaches this weekend, awarding Constance Baker Motley a Congressional Gold Medal is more than well-deserved-it is long overdue. I am proud to once again lead my colleagues Representatives Clyburn, Meeks, Clarke, and Torres, in introducing legislation to honor her extraordinary legacy."

This legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Angus King (I-Maine), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.).

This legislation is cosponsored in the House by U.S. Representatives Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), and Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.).

The full text of the legislation can be found here.