.Sep 17, 2024, 09:18 PM ETWASHINGTON-- Billie Jean Master will definitely end up being the first individual girls's professional athlete to become rewarded the Congressional Gold Medal.Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and also Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey declared Tuesday that their bipartisan legislation had passed your home of Panels and would be sent out to Head of state Joe Biden for his signature.The costs to honor Master, the ping pong Lobby of Famer as well as protestor, had actually already passed all in the Senate.Sherrill, a Democrat, said in a claim that King's "lifetime of advocacy and also effort changed the landscape for females and also females on the courtroom, in the class, and also the place of work." The bill was presented in September 2023 on the 50th anniversary of King's triumph over Bobby Riggs in the "Battle of the Sexual activities," still the most-watched ping pong suit of perpetuity. The medal, granted through Our lawmakers for notable achievements and additions to community, has actually previously been actually provided to sportsmens, featuring pitcher Jackie Robinson as well as Roberto Clemente as well as golf enthusiasts Port Nicklaus, Byron Nelson and also Arnold Palmer.King had actually actually been granted the Presidential Medal of Independence in 2009. Fitzpatrick, a Republican politician, states she has "damaged barriers, led unexplored courses, and inspired many folks to stand proudly along with tenacity and also view in the defend what is right.".